In our first blog on Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020 by Gartner, we had discussed the top 5 technology trends that will enable brands to deliver incredible customer experiences and have an edge over their competitors. In the first blog, we enlisted how brands are leveraging new technological innovations like Hyper Automation, Multi-experience, Democratization of technology, technology-led Human Augmentation and the need for Transparency and Traceability.

As part of the concluding blog, we will enlist and discuss the next 5 disruptive tech trends to be witnessed in 2020

6. Empowered Edge

Edge computing led distributed computing model promises huge advances across all areas of business by addressing the most common drawbacks of cloud servers like latency, server occupancy, cost, etc. Edge computing model brings local computer closer to the data storage, leading to reduced response time and bandwidth thereby enabling on-premise devices with more cloud-like local computing. Edge computing is poised to develop an unstructured architecture with a wide range of services and 'things' conjoined in a flexible mesh connected with a set of distributed cloud services. Over time, an increase in the embedded sensor, better storage, advance in computing and AI capabilities will lead to a steady adoption of edge computing.

7. The Distributed Cloud

By 2020, distributed cloud services will grow up to 75% from existing 10%-states Gartner.

Distributed cloud is an attempt to provide cloud services to the public at locations outside the cloud provider’s centralized data centers as, the businesses will now be creating and processing data outside the public cloud due to the advent of edge computing and the need for reduced latency and bandwidth. Cloud providers will assume the responsibility of operation, maintenance, governance and updates pertaining to enterprise-data as well.

8. Autonomous Things

Autonomous things have been developed to perform functions that were generally handled by humans by leveraging artificial intelligence technology. Automated computing devices can interact seamlessly with people & surroundings as autonomous entities independent from human commands, unlike rigid programming models where automation was initially applied (IoT devices). Modern robots, autonomous vehicles, appliances, and drones are some real-life use cases of autonomous technology.

These devices have been, presently applied in controlled environments like mines with satisfactory levels of success, however, the enhancement in capabilities, social acceptance, regulatory compliance norms will gradually help in the deployment of these autonomous devices in uncontrolled public spaces as well. AI-driven autonomous things have the potential to power virtually any device in the organization and to create scenarios & identify strategies for better business outcomes. The future for autonomous things is bright and businesses can leverage them in their efforts towards automated and faster delivery.

9 . Practical Blockchain

A blockchain is a distributed and decentralized public digital ledger comprising of cryptographically signed transactional records across several computers, shared by all the participants in a network which can thus not be altered in a retroactive way, however, anyone having access rights can track any transactional event at any time by altering all the subsequent blocks with the consent of the network. Blockchain eliminates the need for any central authority as multiple partners unknown to each other can interact and exchange value safely.

"According to the 2019 Gartner CIO Survey, 60% of CIOs expect some kind of blockchain deployment in the next three years"

It has a huge potential to transform the entire business climate with its ability for increased transparency, better value exchange across the enterprise ecosystem and enhanced trust leading to cost efficiency, reduced transaction time and improved cash flow. Blockchain technology offers great avenues to solve present challenges pertaining to the asset monitoring and tracking, automated claims processing, seamless record keeping, trading, payment and settlements, smarter IoT devices and growing smart cities. A growing trend towards adoption of blockchain technology is anticipated for the enterprise solutions once researchers and experts have overcome the technological limits towards enterprise deployment.

10 . AI Security

The growing trend towards newer technologies will soon pose greater threat and risk towards data regulation, infiltration, cybersecurity, and cyber-attacks. Modern security architecture should be bolstered and implemented to safeguard against the potential attacks. Modern developments around all evolving technologies, as discussed in this blog series, including cloud computing, AI, ML, microservices, hyper automation exposes several points- at high risk of attack.

Machine learning and other AI-based techniques are being increasingly used by attackers to power their attacks, which poses an alarming AI-related security concern. Commoditization of ML tools and widespread availability of training data is helping the attackers to explore ML in various security areas and improve - targeting, exploring vulnerabilities and new ways of evasions.

"Through 2022, 30% of all AI cyberattacks will leverage training-data poisoning, AI model theft or adversarial samples to attack- Gartner"

There is thus a huge need to address three key areas-- including AI-powered system safeguards, strengthening security-defense by leveraging AI and anticipating potential threats by attackers who leverage AI. Organizations need to understand how security solutions based on ML can be attacked and what developments in ML can aid attacking methods. Enterprises need to arm themselves with powerful ML-based security tools for security monitoring, malware detection, phishing, unauthorized access to sensitive data and anomaly in the network.

These strategic technology trends offer both a new set of opportunities as well as challenges for enhanced productivity. These will provide value propositions and will also act as a competitive differentiator driving significant disruption. Enterprise leaders will need to prioritize and evaluate these top trends and how they can power their innovation strategy. The path towards digital transformation needs to be treaded if a business has to make a great leap into the future.

Espire's Customer Engagement Hub (CEH) includes all key enablers of excellent Customer Experience (CX) - such as Digital Content Management, Experience Design, Customer Communication Management, Customer Analytics, CRM and IoT. Our partnership with global digital and customer experience technology leaders coupled with our extensive industry experience uniquely positions us to deliver top-notch digital and customer experience transformation solutions.

Related Blog: Top 10 strategic technology trends for 2020 by Gartner | Part 1