Tech Expert Chris Albright of CMIT Centreville Talks 2018 IT

With 2018 less than a month away, many business owners are re-evaluating their IT infrastructure and in-house technology. While new technology is released year-round, there are some surefire trends for 2018. CMIT President and CEO Chris Albright discusses some of the trends you should keep an eye on in the year to come.

What are the biggest IT trends business owners should be aware of in 2018?

Some of the biggest IT and technology trends for 2018 include increased adoption and capabilities of the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), business automation and advanced business analytics. All four have been around for the past few years, but 2018 is the year they will really take center stage.

Which of these trends will have the most impact?

Individually, each of these advances is powerful, but it is how they are utilized together that is truly powerful. For example, your IoT turns your everyday items into smart technology designed to create multiple personal and professional efficiencies. The impact of each efficiency can be measured by analytics that deliver impressive new insights, and these insights can be used to automate or predict many of your day-to-day tasks and events. Businesses are even finding exciting new ways to utilize tools such as Alexa and Echo Dot to make hands-free phone calls and SMS, set automated reminders, read, respond to and prioritize emails, and more.

How will this new technology affect in-house IT infrastructures?

Businesses who have yet to move to the Cloud will seriously need to consider making the move. A custom Cloud will provide the ultimate in efficiency and security, but, with the growing demand for instant and automated business processes, adding an Edge network is growing in popularity. Edge is an in-house data processing center that transfers data rapidly, securely and with minimal energy output from your in-house electronics to your Cloud. As your IoT grows, the Edge optimizes your performance.

Is there a downside to these new automated and AI advances?

It all depends on how you leverage technology for your success. A common concern many have is that automation and AI will lead to layoffs or reduced labor hours. While this is a valid concern, many businesses reinvest their employee’s time in new projects and innovations. With the in-depth insights gathered by advanced analytics comes an endless possibility of new products, services and ways to better serve your customers. So, when automation shaves two hours a day off an employee’s daily workload, those hours can be reinvested in helping a new innovation get off the ground. This may not be the case for every position, but certainly for more than might meet the eye. Another downside is insufficient training for the new system put in place.

Is every technology trend right for every business?

The best way to determine the most suitable technology trends for your business is to work with an IT consultant to assess your current areas of opportunity. Even if you understand the importance of transitioning to Edge or streamlining your IoT, the most efficient and effective network and infrastructure must be built by a tenured IT expert.

CMIT Solutions of Centreville provides a strategic approach to IT consulting that improves performance of your business technology in the most cost-effective way possible. Assisting businesses in Centreville, Chantilly, Dulles, Gainesville, Manassas and Haymarket, CMIT can help you achieve the fastest return on your technology investment. Call 703-881-7738 today to see how CMIT can help your business stay in business.