From the shifting nature of cloud computing to the expanding integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in service-based information technology, there is a range of trends within the global IT sector which are driving new roles and opportunities.

 
Cloud-based flexible consumption

The ‘pay as you go’ approach appeals to many IT leaders as a way to keep costs to a minimum and avoid unnecessary resourcing demands.  The expansion of this capability is only likely to continue and grow as more and more businesses become aware of the benefits available to their operations. As this occurs more roles will require this type of expertise.

XaaS - Everything-as-a-service
There has been a rapid growth of service-based IT with greater number of businesses demanding more sophisticated business agility.  XaaS capabilities make it increasingly simple for firms to access the latest new technologies, such as AI-based solutions. Watch this space for more roles which request XaaS-related skills and experience.

‘Democratization’ of innovation
Due to the rapid expansion of cloud-based flexible consumption models all business, small or large, can start to reap the benefits of technological advances which previously only the major players could afford. Medium-scale enterprises, small business and micro-business start-ups are also now looking to innovate and harness XaaS solutions, using the Internet of Things (IoT), for example, which means those tools, and the benefits which they offer, are now open to a far wider market than before. As more businesses innovate in this way, more firms will have vacancies for this type of tech talent.

Software integrated with AI
Larger software firms are increasingly integrating their cloud-based enterprise software with artificial intelligence (AI) and bringing these to market.  In a Deloitte State of AI survey, 57 per cent of respondents is using AI-enhanced cloud-based software, either in private or public cloud deployments. Expect to also see an increase in IT roles related to the autonomous devices field, such as drones, robots and autonomous vehicles (AV).

Multicloud strategies
As cloud-based solutions continue to expand, and the primary value of cloud computing shifts away from ‘cost/efficiency’ and towards ‘innovation acceleration’, many businesses are adopting multi-cloud strategies as a way to manage this transformation.  There are signs that many executives are already starting to use a hybrid model of both on-premise and public/private cloud functionality. Having relevant skills in this area will be important for future roles in this area.

Machine learning growth
An increasing number of enterprises are expanding their use of full AI implementations.  The Deloitte AI survey showed a 26 per cent yearly growth of respondents who had undertaken six or more full AI implementations.  The largest growth has been in machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing which are all areas to watch in terms of the expansion of vacancies.

Blockchain developments
As businesses explore the potential of Blockchain technology, they also need secure, reliable, incorruptible and encrypted means of record-keeping that help them to manage their user identities.  Across many sectors, identity and privacy protection are increasingly in demand as individuals interact and connect more with their devices. Roles which specialise in this area are expected to expand.


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Digital ethics
Many businesses, across multiple sectors, have seen significant data growth in recent years with many firms employing sophisticated software tools to analyse that data as effectively and productively as possible.  At the same time, individual consumers, regulators and governments are becoming increasingly concerned about privacy breaches and anti-trust behaviours, as shown by new regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These changes mean that the need for improved data management and digital ethical expertise will continue to grow.

5G expansion
By 2024 5G mobile network technology will have reached more than 40 per cent of the global population, namely 1.5 billion people, according to Statista.  With consumers having smartphones capable of surfing the internet at 10 gigabytes per second, the enterprise potential of this new development is significant and an increasing number of roles within this field are expected.

Immersive experiences
The development of immersive, interactive and automated experiences in ‘smart rooms’ can be used for a variety of purposes by a diversity of organisations and businesses.  The increasing combination of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies present a wealth of opportunities for future developments, roles and opportunities in this area.

Digital twins
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a system, or entity, in the real world. Organisations can use these replicas to monitor the behaviour and explore alternative approaches. They will also use them to both compile and visualise data to help inform future decision making and the strategic direction of a business.  Specialist roles in this area are set to grow.

Augmented Analytics
The combination of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are providing new opportunities for the consumption, development and sharing of data.  Augmented analytics is also expected to produce a rapid expansion of in-house business solutions in the areas of sales, marketing, finance, customer experience and human resources, for example. Roles which incorporate experience in this field are likely to expand as more businesses begin to explore in this area.

Enhanced-edge computing
Relating specifically to the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing consists of placing intermediate points between connected objects.  Data is then processed at this intermediate point, namely closer to where the data was received, rather than at a centralised server in the cloud. Yet rather than a completely different architecture to cloud computing, edge computing can run alongside the cloud and be developed as a complementary model.  Expertise in this field is predicted to grow in the future.

Sources

Last modified: Tuesday, 7 January 2020, 11:51 AM