The internet isn’t just for computers anymore. The so-called Internet of Things describes all the ordinary gadgets and appliances that are now being outfitted with a wireless connection to the internet.
You’re seeing this now become a trend with consumer products, most notably with smart TVs that allow users to watch Netflix or even browse the web without having to use some wire to connect a laptop to the TV.
TVs are just the tip of the iceberg, and IoT has an enterprise fixture for a few years now. It’s prevalence is growing at an incredible rate. The International Data Corporation (IDC) projects that by 2020, IoT will be a $9 trillion industry, with over 200 billion “things” connected to the internet in use. With a smart and connected workplace, businesses will have more control and a better understanding over their operations than ever before.
IoT isn’t the only tech concept that should be more mainstream in 2015. The hybrid cloud looks to be a trend in the making as well. It’s easy to see why: both public and private cloud solutions come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Businesses that use a mix of both public and private (hybrid) get the best of both worlds.
With a hybrid cloud solution, you can save money by using public cloud services for non-sensitive operations, and reserving your most sensitive operations for a more costly and secure private cloud.
Microsoft products used to be stupid expensive. It could cost over a hundred dollars for each copy of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Now, Microsoft offers those same programs in a much more affordable way, proving remote access to the software low monthly rate instead of shipping out physical CDs. Don’t be surprised to see more and more products start using this pricing model.
The threat landscape is more developed and complicated than ever before. We mentioned back in Prediction #2 that the Internet of Things continues to grow. This contributes to the increased need for security. More things connected to the internet give cybercriminals more opportunities to find a way onto your network.
It’s going to be both more difficult and more complicated than ever before to keep to keep all the people and device in your network secure. Businesses everywhere will be establishing more comprehensive and multilayered security solutions in 2015.
Interested in a hybrid cloud or comprehensive security solution? Let Tier One Technology Partners know at (443) 589-1150 or info@tieroneit.com.
Ready to speak with a member of our IT support and managed IT services team? Use the form to the right to book an initial consultation with your next Baltimore IT company.
