Coronavirus pandemic has proven catastrophic and has shaken the world. But this viral infection has given rise to many new innovations as well. People are about to step into a new world that will be different from the world known pre-COVID-19. Here are the technology trends that are emerging post-pandemic. Grab hold of the innovation and be a part of the wave.
We all know that digital solutions are trending — but what other tech is on a roll?
In the wake of the pandemic, the movement of people is restricted and businesses are either grounded or forced to operate online so digital solutions are trending. Technology trends are gaining momentum in this pandemic.
Digital solutions will be central to this rapid shift as they have bought accessibility, convenience, and simplicity on the table for customers.
Here are technology trends that are changing the way how we trade, how we get our work done (or not), how we produce goods and services, how we seek medical help, and how we look for entertainment opportunities for ourselves.
Online Shopping and Robot Deliveries
In 2002, when the SARS outbreak occurred it led to the tremendous growth of B2B and B2C platforms in China. Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the online marketplace and changed it from a nice-to-have to a must-have.
To maintain social distancing and to contain the virus online shopping is the way to go.
E-commerce has sprung up massively in this pandemic. You can get what you want at your doorstep, that too, with a robotic delivery. Cool isn’t it? With no fear of catching Coronavirus from the delivery boy.
There is a need to support online shopping with a robust logistics system to make delivery experience risk free. Moreover, e-commerce giants are also ramping up to launch contactless deliveries where they pick and drop off goods at a certain location instead of handing over to a person.
Virtual Technologies for Remote Work
Businesses have asked employees to work from home to maintain social distancing. The technologies including virtual meetings, cloud technology, digital identity verification tools, face recognition technology, and virtual private networks (VPNs) are supporting remote work. On one hand, remote work saves commute time and provides flexibility but on the other hand, it imposes cybersecurity challenges. So to deal with all the issues cybersecurity trends are revamping too.
Information security, privacy, and timely tech support is required to deal with Certain loopholes in their system and not to compromise confidential data of people as the Zoom app fell foul of privacy concerns earlier.
There is a dire need for HR departments to employ digital identity verification solutions to trace and tackle fraudsters and to improve the onboarding processes of businesses. HR departments can use augmented reality to create immersive experiences for training and fast-tracking employees at home.
While many businesses are counting the costs of the COVID-19 crisis, sectors that have adapted and moved swiftly on technology needs, are reaping what they have sown. These technologies are also spiking in demand in virtual learning programs due to the closure of educational institutes.
Digital Payments or Contactless
Some people think that cash may carry the COVID-19, so digital payments like cards or e-wallets, are the recommended payment method to make purchases. To send and receive stimulus funds faster as this technology is taking over. This will help in containing the spread of the virus through cash notes.
Robotics and Drones
COVID-19 makes the world realize that we rely heavily on human interactions to carry out work. This pandemic provides a strong push to roll out the usage of digital workers called robots for different purposes such as to disinfect areas and to deliver food to those in quarantine.
Organizations are using drones for awareness campaigns as well. Robots and drones are becoming the “new normal” for the upcoming world. Many human jobs will be replaced by robots but at the same time, new jobs will be created.
Cloud Computing
Cloud companies are weathering the pandemic stress-test which is caused by the sudden hike in workloads and inexperienced users. According to a Microsoft report, there is a 775% spike in cloud services in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cloud technology received a surge in usage across all types of apps in this pandemic. Organizations are adopting work from home (WFH) strategy to maintain social distancing. With the implementation of online learning models, the demand for cloud-based video conferencing is also increasing. Businesses and educational institutions will continue to make use of this technology. As demand for this technology continues to grow, businesses are implementing this technology.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the vital technologies for organizations that are based on data-driven technologies. Much of the attention is being paid to privacy and data protection as per GDPR regulations. As people are working from their homes, the data of businesses is totally vulnerable to cyberattacks; this gives another incentive to the implementation of cybersecurity practices. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this pandemic and coming up with different techniques to exploit a system. In addition, there is a hike in ransomware attacks so every business needs to take cybersecurity into consideration.
Blockchain Technology
The COVID-19 crisis has uncovered loops in our connectivity in our global supply chains. So there is a dire need to build transparent, inter-operable, and connective networks. Blockchain technology can improve the transparency of businesses by the seamless integration of disparate networks.
Blockchain is supporting efforts around the globe to battle the virus in many ways like tracking infectious disease outbreaks by tracking public health data surveillance, crisis management using smart contracts concept.
The surveillance is providing awareness to people about the latest research on Coronavirus by WHO, donations tracking by tracking where funds are most urgently required and by continuously tracing their donations until they are provided, and securing the medical supply chain.
VR/AR Technology
Organizations are using this advanced technology to train employees, collaborate on projects, hold conferences, and connect employees virtually. Scientists worldwide have been using VR platforms to collaborate on coronavirus research, molecular design, and potential treatments for viruses.
Moreover, people are using VR headsets to play games, explore virtual travel, and for online entertainment to spend time in their quarantine. As our new normal sets in we are likely to see more virtual conferences.
Needless to say, digital technology trends can harness reduced human interactions, increased productivity, automation, and simplifies lives while containing the virus. By embracing emerging technologies, businesses can better position themselves in the post-COVID-19 business landscape that lies ahead.
To keep their companies on course, now and in the future, its high time businesses understand the importance of the technology trends paradigm shift.
Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio; Pexels
