Technology drives almost every aspect of modern life and business. To stay current, organizations need to know about emerging technology trends that can impact their business. Computer information systems (CIS) and information technology (IT) professionals are at the forefront of working with these new technologies and must stay up to date to keep their organizations competitive.
Being familiar with emerging technologies can help CIS and IT professionals be more effective in their jobs and pursue cutting-edge career advancement opportunities. The online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Information Sciences program from Lamar University prepares students for in-demand technology positions. Students gain hands-on experience with trending technologies used in various industries.
Emerging Trends in Technology
Technology and digital trends continue to develop at a rapid rate. Recognizing and using the correct technology can impact an organization’s ability to stand out from its competitors. Here are some emerging technology trends that computer information systems professionals should know:
- Edge computing. According to Gartner, “Edge computing is a computing topology in which information processing and content collection and delivery are placed closer to the sources, repositories and consumers of this information.” Instead of sending data to a centralized location for analysis, the data is processed and analyzed at the source to produce real-time business insights. This can help factories, retail businesses and other organizations leverage data to make timely, actionable business decisions.
- Quantum computing. Quantum computing uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond the scope of traditional or “classical” computers. Quantum algorithms create multidimensional spaces wherein patterns can be drawn between vast sets of complicated data, surpassing the computational capabilities of classical supercomputers. Quantum computers can simultaneously process large amounts of information and perform several complex tasks with ease.
- Hyperautomation. Gartner defines hyperautomation as “a disciplined, business-driven approach to rapidly identify, vet and automate as many business and IT processes as possible.” Hyperautomation facilitates a greater degree of remote operation and scalability than simpler forms of process automation, accelerating complex work and further automating tasks. Hyperautomation can help businesses do everything from predict inventory needs and automate restocking to process documents and emails using OCR (optical character recognition) and NLP (natural language processing).
- Extended reality (XR). Extended reality is a blanket term that encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). High-quality XR is available for virtual training, immersive gaming and remote learning. The manufacturing, architecture and healthcare industries are incorporating XR into their practices to improve workflow, monitor projects and create distinctive, interactive experiences.
- Cybersecurity mesh. The large-scale shift to a remote workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more flexible, effective cybersecurity systems and approaches. One trending solution is cybersecurity mesh, an approach to cybersecurity that builds security measures around the identity of a device as opposed to a central, secure connection. Cybersecurity mesh is a comprehensive, integrated and distributed approach to securing devices independently, helping to address the security challenges of decentralized workforces. Some security solutions used in a cybersecurity mesh strategy include disc and data encryption, limited remote access, virtual private networks, multi-factor authentication and remote wipe tools.
About Lamar University’s Online B.S. in Computer Information Sciences Program
Graduates of Lamar University’s online B.S. in Computer Information Sciences program can pursue careers in myriad industries ranging from the scientific, professional and technical services to information management, retail, finance, education and healthcare. Students will gain sought-after industry skills in the analysis and design of algorithms, operating and database systems and computer networks and distributed computing concepts, as well as experience in software design and solutions using multiple high-level programming languages.
These studies prepare graduates for roles such as data scientist, network architect, systems analyst, web developer and software engineer. Graduates of an advanced degree in computer information sciences will be equipped to pursue these careers and anticipate industry trends.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online B.S. in Computer Information Sciences program.
