Last year was a year of incredible disruption for the business world, the global economy, and the population at large as the ongoing pandemic drove the need for remote operations, remote education, and even remote healthcare.
That trend continues as more businesses turn to digital technologies to keep their businesses salient, relevant, and safe.
Fortunately, 2021 remains a year of promise as new technologies emerge to help companies navigate the new normal.
Digital Transformation 2021: Navigating the New Normal
This year is all about going digital. If your company hasn't begun the move from a paper-heavy, in-person, manual environment, it is time to get on board for your digital transformation in 2021.
While 2020 saw the rush toward a digital environment accelerate — tech giant Microsoft claims it gained two years' ground in just two months — the momentum is not about to ease up now.
We have curated a few of the most exciting trends on the digital horizon to help you get ready for a productive, transformative year:
- The Movement to Cloud Environments Continues
As more companies seek to transform, they are continuing to move applications and data into cloud environments.
This migration not only makes it easier for remote or mobile employees to access the data they need to work securely, but it also helps archive previously paper-based information less expensively in an online environment.
One offshoot of this trend?
The development of a Cloud Architect is a significant member of a company's IT team. Businesses with smaller in-house IT departments or companies that lack in-house IT resources altogether can easily rely on trusted third-party partners to help guide them in implementing and growing their cloud presence.
- QR Codes Gain in Popularity
While QR codes have struggled with adoption in the past, the coronavirus brought them to the forefront of helpful technologies last year — a trend we think will continue into 2021 and beyond.
Since droplets and surface contact can spread the virus, QR codes give businesses a contactless communication system that reduces the risk of infection transmission.
Menus, product information, business location, and CRM applications can be safely and effectively shared via this helpful yet straightforward technology.
- Legacy Architecture Will Be a Beacon for Cybercriminals
Legacy IT infrastructure such as virtual private networks (VPNs) represents a significant risk to companies not updating their technology.
Cybercriminals can easily access unpatched architecture with malware, resulting in an increased risk of data breach and loss.
Although any aging infrastructure represents a vulnerability, attacking VPNs is explicitly becoming even more enticing to hackers as more workforce members continue to work remotely.
- 5G Networks Will Explode
The pandemic has pushed 5G networks to the forefront of technology as the value of high-speed connectivity is realized across many industries — particularly in healthcare and education.
Worldwide spending on this architecture has exploded, with expenditures doubling in 2020 alone.
In addition to accelerated competition among 5G providers, that increase will ensure that the rush toward 5G will continue through the end of the year.
Let Blue Technologies Help You Transform Your Business This Year
If you are like most businesses, you are always looking for cost-effective ways to increase efficiency and continue to offer clients the products and services they need in the safest way possible.
Digital transformation is the best way to accomplish all of the above. Yet, some companies are overwhelmed by the thought of choosing and deploying new technologies — so they choose to rely on aging architecture and outdated technologies.
Partnering with a third-party expert like Blue Technologies can take the fear out of your digital transformation and make the process as frustration-free and straightforward as possible for your business, your employees, and your customers.
We offer a complete suite of digital technology tools — from targeted software to help your company manage large amounts of data — to expert advice on installing, protecting, and maintaining cutting-edge architecture to keep your information accessible — and safe.
Rely on the IT experts to help you successfully begin — or complete — your digital transformation in 2021. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant today and explore our many tech options, tools, and services.
