Driving IT Change in 2022: Top Priorities for Businesses

Regardless of industry, every CIOs priorities remain the same; securing the organization against cyber threats and exploiting new technologies to drive growth. CIO does not have to be a defined role within the business. Businesses everywhere are willing to spend on IT investments that deliver more value to the customers and accelerate performance. Knowing what’s coming on in tech will help small business managers to realign their strategies and sculpt changes that help them compete with large corporations.

New technological trends are already priming the business world for a major reset. Revolutions in wireless networking courtesy of 5G, increased permeation of AI technologies, and hybrid working models have already signaled what we expect for the year. We also foresee a greater focus on cybersecurity and data privacy controls. While some of the changes may not have an immediate impact on business, learning how to navigate them will trigger success.

How 5G Networks Will Keep Driving IT Change In 2022

The first rollout of the 5th generation wireless network started in 2019, but we project massive expansion in 2022. The technology promises faster data speeds, up to 100 times more than we currently have with 4G. For example, it might take you about 7-10 minutes to download a Full HD Blu-Ray film on the 4G network. With 5G, you will do it in seconds (between 4 and 5G depending on the connection). The technology will enhance cloud computing by moving data processing from local devices. Besides, it will be faster and cheaper.

It won’t be long before the markets start to churn out smart devices to capitalize on automation as the technology enhances interconnectivity. Greater speeds will translate to more time-saving opportunities, leading to improved productivity. However, one has to consider possible breaches now that data can move faster than you could notice.

Will Cybersecurity Keep Driving IT Change in 2022?

With data as the new currency, cybersecurity is going to be a priority in every organization. Beyond the pandemic, many companies will still maintain remote work, and a few others will opt for a hybrid model. It will see IT admins and security professionals readjusting their cybersecurity architectures to reflect the new reality, making their work more challenging. Successful countermeasures will rely on the following key strategies:

Deeper risk analysis to identify and stop threats before they happen
Building resilience in the systems, allowing for business continuity despite reeling from an attack
Accepting the reality of distributed teams and deploying measures to protect critical systems and services regardless of location
Enforcing tighter access controls using multifactor authentication and digital certificates for more secure connections

The new reality is constantly outstretching the skills of in-house talent, causing a need for outsourced IT expertise to bridge the gap.

Remote Work and a Hybrid Workforce Will Continue to Be the Norm

It will be exciting to see how many businesses maintain a fully remote workforce as we head into the post-pandemic era. According to a recent survey, going back to the office full time will not be an easy call to make, more than half of the workforce prefers a remote arrangement. We expect the return to be much slower, as more organizations will opt for a hybrid working model. Besides, companies may have saved a fortune from what they would have spent on lavish lunches and other office benefits they would have spent on employees.

In extreme cases, companies may have to use incentives to make employees visit the office once in a while. Productivity software like Microsoft Office 365 provides the needed tools, allowing employees to work from anywhere. For collaboration with colleagues, they can get on a video call on Microsoft Teams.

Artificial Intelligence Will Continue To Be a Driving Force for Change

Artificial intelligence is already a reality, and it lives behind the technology in some of our everyday devices. McKinsey believes that we are still in the early days of this technology, and by 2024, it will drive half of our computer interactions. Self-learning machines will be able to recognize trends and make sophisticated decisions, just like the human mind. AI is already delivering value across various industries in marketing, manufacturing, and research and development.

With advanced CRM software, for instance, AI will help to develop tailored customer communications. For decision-makers, it will provide more accurate forecasts and help them to identify gaps in their strategies. While any company with funds to spend can implement AI, it takes a good strategist to implement profitable solutions.

How Data and Privacy Protection Will Drive IT Change In 2022

Data is a huge currency in modern times, but it is becoming extremely hard to tell what a business can and cannot collect from its customers. Data privacy is currently a hot topic in the US, and 2022 will be no different. Consumers will seek more control over their private information. They will demand action from the authorities, and when they get none, they will choose to deal with companies proving to be more responsive to their concerns.

Regardless of business size, an enterprise manager needs to be aware of the digital footprint left by the customer and that of its own. Mapping the data movements will help in scanning the system for potential weaknesses and adding protective measures. Data breaches will still happen, and survival will depend on business continuity plans and the existing security measures.

Explore the IT Trends That Will Drive Success for Your Business

Businesses that solely rely on in-house expertise may find it rough sailing challenges brought by the shifting technologies. At Menark Technologies, we are always striving to keep pace with technological changes around the globe. We are your go-to experts when your business needs exceptional outsourced IT solutions. We support companies in the MidAtlantic Region with bespoke solutions covering cybersecurity, cloud solutions, managed IT services, and more. Our biggest clients come from Wilmington, Philadelphia, and South Jersey, covering different industries like real estate, healthcare, legal, accounting, and nonprofits.

Contact Menark Technologies if you have any business technology-related questions or are looking for a great IT support company to support your business.