As of 2019, about 89% of companies expected their IT budgets to grow. According to Finances Online, the top factors driving IT budget increases were outdated infrastructure at 64% and increased security concerns at 56%.

Information technology is vital to the growth and success of both small and large businesses. When incorporated correctly, IT streamlines operations, improves communications, enhances data security, and speeds up complex processes.

Understanding IT tips for your online presence also improve marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and sales. For these reasons, you need to stay up to date with current information technology trends.

That way, you can leverage the right technologies to maximize profits and gain a competitive edge. Here are 3 trends shaping the future of information technology.

Enhance Automation

New developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are key factors fueling automation trends and promoting change in business management strategies.

In recent years, we have seen businesses adopt robotic process automation to increase efficiency and productivity. These AI-driven systems help companies reach new productivity heights by automating essential, repetitive, and time-intensive tasks using automated software.

 As AI-enabled systems continue to evolve, we can expect automation to
 expand into hyper-automation in the next coming years. 

In 2021, automation will involve robotic process automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to process data significantly. As a result, businesses will enjoy improved quality, increased productivity, and real-time intelligence with enhanced analytics.

Cybersecurity

As consumers continue to gain easy access to the internet, cyber-attacks become more imminent. While large enterprises experience most cyber threats, small businesses are at a higher risk of security breaches.

According to Verizon, 61% of data breaches target businesses with less than a thousand workers. For small business owners, implementing the right tactics to improve cybersecurity will be a top consideration now and in the coming years.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is another way to ensure the cyber-security. It’s primarily an information security (infosec) mechanism that safeguards identities with special access or capabilities beyond regular users. Like all other infosec solutions, PAM works through a combination of people, processes and technology.

Some of these tactics include creating firewalls, setting clear security protocols, and training employees about phishing and how to avoid them.

Outsourcing IT managed services to secure business communication networks and equipment from hackers will also become the norm. CoreTech suggests that establishing a partnership with a trustworthy technology company is a critical decision.

IT professionals strive to develop and integrate end-to-end communications security solutions with your existing systems. So you can rest assured of improved cybersecurity in your small enterprise.

Cloud Computing Alternatives

Cloud computing has been a breakthrough in the business world as it guarantees reliability, collaboration, cost reduction, and improved disaster recovery. However, with new technologies emerging every day, the reign of cloud computing might come to an end.

Currently, cloud computing alternatives include edge and fog computing, mesh networks, Project Solid, LBRY, and Resilio.

Each option has unique features, but they aim to address cloud computing drawbacks like reliance on the internet, ongoing costs, and security issues.

Most entrepreneurs treat information technology as an afterthought. However, IT should be a top priority to enhance efficiency and productivity. In addition to understanding how to get the most information technology, business leaders also need to stay updated with current IT trends.

Doing so helps your business adopt the latest systems and strategies to boost growth.