2020 was a year to remember. COVID-19 dictated a new way to work, with cloud technologies and remote work creating a modern workplace shift for businesses across the globe. 2021 will see this transition shift from a “knee jerk” reaction to becoming the “new norm.” It will be up to business leaders to continue to harness technology and IT solutions to not only maintain this new norm, but to maximize their team’s capabilities and drive their business’ success. Here is a list of 2021 IT trend predictions that will help small to medium-sized businesses get there.
2021 IT Trend Predictions: Cloud Computing Trends
No surprise here, but one of the biggest IT trend predictions centers on cloud computing. Cloud computing will continue to give businesses the answers and tools they need to remain connected and productive.
Virtual Cloud Desktops
As 2021 comes into focus, we will see traditional workstations shift to cloud services delivered to desktops and laptops. This transition to managed cloud services will eliminate the need for costly hardware updates and enable the continuation of a “work from anywhere” mindset.
The permanent shift from a physical permanent workstation increases security, synchronizes all users, and ensures real-time collaboration between your teams.
Hybrid Solutions
Since no two businesses operate in the same way, cloud services will become more flexible. Business leaders and IT leads can choose what data they want in the cloud, and what cloud services they want from their cloud providers. There will also be solutions for running cloud services on existing infrastructure to merge traditional technologies with the modern workplace.
Employees Will Expect Work-From-Anywhere Models from Employers
As employees harness the productivity and work/life balance inherent in a work-from-anywhere model, they will expect it from their employers. This will put businesses who offer remote work in a better position to acquire talent than those who still require traditional “office work” presence with their teams.
2021 IT Trend Predictions: Cybersecurity Trends
Naturally, this shift to the cloud fills some business owners with concern for the security of their networks. Luckily, 2021 IT trend predictions include an increase in cybersecurity, not a decrease. How?
Increased Cloud Security Monitoring
It’s expected that phishing, ransomware, and other cyber attacks will increase throughout the coming years. Cloud services providers will be spending more time and resources in monitoring cloud data and creating more proactive cybersecurity solutions to protect clients.
Among these enhanced security steps will be an increase in testing, rapid mitigation of security gaps, and more device and event log monitoring.
Universal Adoption of Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Recognizing that employees are responsible for 24% of data breaches, businesses will be upping their cybersecurity awareness training. Employees need the training to recognize phishing, spoofing, baiting, and other social engineering attacks. The purpose of this training is to prevent employees from accidentally installing malware onto devices and launching it into your network.
Zero-Trust Approach to Cybersecurity
Businesses are shifting to a rigid “zero-trust” approach to cybersecurity. This means enhanced security features such as multi-factor authentication, single sign on, and tighter device protections. Spam filters and anti-virus platforms are increasingly fueled by artificial intelligence, a shift that will continue throughout 2021.
Integris Understands IT Trends
Integris understands that 2021 IT trend predictions will impact all small to medium-sized businesses. We have the solutions your business needs to stay ahead of the game and in front of your competition.
Stay ahead of the latest trends when you partner with the industry experts at Integris in the new year.
