The information technology sector is now a rapidly evolving entity that has sparked a great digital revolution. With massive advances in science and technology, the IT sector has been prone to change like the wind. What was groundbreaking yesterday could be obsolete next week. With that, the constant battle to innovate is an ongoing process within the IT industry. Here are the top trends of 2015.
1. “Outside-In” is hot
New business technologies are taking shape outside of the traditional business box. These forces shape trends that creep in and cause big improvements or lag behind. Highly interconnected markets have shown how rapidly and massively these changes occur. Now a change of mind is required to harness this “outside-in” force. Take advantage of new external technologies, use cloud computing, and bring your own device (BYOB). This trend looks set to continue for a while yet.
2. Co-creation and industrial ecosystem
Partners, customers and suppliers are now creating industry ecosystems to provide deep analysis, market discovery, planning and joint creation of products and services. This is to meet the needs of the market quickly. A network of business partners cooperates in a broad ecosystem that can easily address any need or problem that arises, such as the rise of Uber and Airbnb. No single player monopolizes the industry anymore.
3. Big data analytics is now taking center stage
The emergence of a new generation of executives with both business and technology knowledge has spurred discussion of big data analytics in the boardroom. Advances in big data analytics that enable near real-time data have made it easy for tech-savvy executives to review it and demand information about customers, products, and partners. This enables well-informed business executives to better implement the necessary changes and actions.
4. SMAC versus traditional IT
The “third platform”, powered by SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) has created a growing skills gap compared to traditional IT skills. Consumers are now demanding modern and flexible front-office applications that are cloud-based and mobile. While traditional IT skills are used for the administrative systems that form the core of a business. 2015 will focus on balancing the growth needs of the main office and modernizing administrative systems.
5. Mr. Digital Director
The rise of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at many technology companies reflects the need for companies to have digital leadership that understands both technology and business. This is a relatively new position, but it is moving toward executive business positions and even the board of directors. Rapid innovation in today’s technology has made it crucial for a leader to be able to respond to, create, and manage digital disruption and change.