Technology is now evolving at such a rapid pace that annual predictions of technology trends can seem out-of-date before they even go live. As technology evolves, it enables even faster change and progress.
Technology-based careers don’t change at that same speed, but they do evolve. The IT worker of the 21st century will constantly be learning, out of necessity if not desire. Here are some technology trends you should watch for in 2019, and the jobs that will be created by these trends.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has already received a lot of buzz in recent years, but it continues to be a technology trend to watch because its effects on how we live, work and play are only in the early stages.
AI refers to computers systems built to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks such as recognition of images, speech or patterns, and decision making. AI can do these tasks faster and more accurately than humans.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subset of AI. With Machine Learning, computers are programmed to learn to do something they are not programmed to do: They literally learn by discovering patterns and insights from data.
While Machine Learning is a subset of AI, we also have subsets within the domain of Machine Learning, including neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning.
Robotic Process Automation or RPA
Like AI and Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is another technology that is automating jobs. RPA is the use of software to automate business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails.
RPA automates repetitive tasks that people used to do. These are not just the menial tasks of a low-paid worker: up to 45 % of the activities we do can be automated, including the work of financial managers, doctors, and CEOs.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses the user in an environment while Augment Reality (AR) enhances their environment. Although VR has primarily been used for gaming thus far, it has also been used for training, as with VirtualShip, a simulation software used to train U.S. Navy, Army and Coast Guard ship captains.
Upskill or get left behind
Although technologies are emerging and evolving all around us, these domains offer promising career potential now and for the foreseeable future. All are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers, meaning the time is right for you to choose one, get trained, and get on board at the early stages of the technology, positioning you for success now and in the future.
For more information or help with your Computer IT challenges call Ryan Danvers of ABACON IT on 072 601 2858
Author: Ryan Danvers