Two future trends in information systems infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence
With an estimated market growth of $15.7 trillion by 2030, I believe research and development of artificial intelligence systems is one of the top trends in Information systems and Infrastructure that has the potential to change the way businesses operate. Although many businesses and industries have already adopted AI in performing different tasks, artificial intelligence is evolving to help companies operate more efficiently, increase ROI, and improve security (Fowler, 2020). Investment in AI can help companies make use of technology to perform certain redundant tasks. This will improve efficiency and allow employees to focus on more involved projects. Companies already make use of AI to market their products and services to the right audience, however the accuracy with which AI systems find the right customers at the right time will only improve. This will provide tremendous competitive advantage to companies and its accuracy will eventually help foresee their financial successes. Many companies that depend on security as a major competitive advantage, such as banks, can also make use of AI to improve their accuracy of fraud detection and prevention.
Cloud Computing
Another important trend that is helping businesses stay competitive is investment in cloud computing technology. Part of the reason why companies are investing in cloud technologies is to enable big data analysis and machine learning. However, cloud technologies also tremendously help in improving accessibility and productivity as it allows employees to connect to systems and work from anywhere. Another very important competitive advantage cloud computing provides is cost savings, as all cloud service providers work on a service model rather than a product model, allowing companies to use resources as and when needed only. Also, investing in cloud technologies, especially in multiple systems spanning different regions better protects companies from disasters. As more and more data are collected by companies, there is always need for more storage. Cloud systems allow this level of scalability unlike the rigid nature of on-premises systems, thereby enabling companies to better utilize their data.
Although there are many different technologies being researched and developed currently, I believe AI and cloud computing form the backbone of all such advancements and that all technologies will eventually depend on them (Castillo, A. (2020, August 28).
References
Fowler, G. (2020, February 5). Council Post: AI for A Competitive Advantage. AI for a Competitive Advantage. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2020/02/05/ai-for-a-competitive-advantage/?sh=45143fe2402b.
Castillo, A. (2020, August 28). Competitive Advantage from Cloud Computing. https://cloudcomputingtechnologies.com/competitive-advantage-from-cloud-computing/