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Four Major Trends for IT Solution Providers to Watch in 2019 Including Emerging Technologies and the Growth of Edge Computing.
As 2019 gets under way, IT solution providers should keep an eye on technology and business trends that are shaping the future of IT. The channel is undergoing major changes as the vast majority of businesses – 89%, according to IDG – is either implementing or planning a digital transformation strategy. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are at the center of these implementations.
As customers invest in these technologies, IT solution providers need to be able to support them, which requires making investments of their own to learn about the technologies and how to sell and service them.
In 2019, the IoT and edge computing will assert themselves, while next-step technologies such as AI, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), bots and blockchain will be knocking at the door. IT solution providers should be watching these developments and adjusting their business models to manage the necessary infrastructure and applications.
Trend #1: IoT and Edge Computing
The IoT has been lurking for some time, but implementations perhaps have taken longer than expected. Compatibility and security issues are partly to blame, but as vendors introduce bundled IoT solutions and invest in security, IoT will quickly gain traction. By 2022, worldwide IT spending on the IoT will actually surpass the 1 trillion mark according to IDG.
As the IoT expands, so will edge computing. Edge computing sites are where many of the IoT’s real-time processing and analytics will occur. For IT solution providers, this potentially creates vast opportunities to provide backup power management and remote UPS monitoring and management services at the edge.
Trend #2: Emerging Technologies
On the heels of IoT and edge, expect serious advances in AI, VR and AR. A lot of these emerging technologies will work hand in hand to disrupt business models and create competitive advantages. For instance, information captured by IoT sensors will be processed and fed into AI and machine learning engines to automate business processes.
Machine learning already is used widely in cybersecurity, and AI is powering advanced robotics in manufacturing and warehousing. AI is also starting to appear in marketing functions, such as chatbots. IT solution providers can play a role in these technologies by deploying and managing the systems that deliver this functionality.
Trend #3: Industry Application Focus
Demand for industry-specific applications will grow in 2019 and beyond. With IoT and AI making significant inroads into IT environments, the need for specialised software will increase. According to CompTIA’s 7th State of the Channel report, this creates plenty of opportunity for IT solution providers. “Many cloud-based internet software vendors (ISVs) are developing discrete applications tied to specific industries. These are often small firms lacking a large-scale sales operation and eager to grow. As a result, many are beginning to experiment with indirect channel partners to grow their footprint and penetrate various customers segments.”
Trend #4: Channel Specialisation
Hand in hand with the application focus is the need for IT solution providers to specialise. “Customer demand for a technology provider with vertical industry skills and applications knowledge is on the rise,” CompTIA said in its report. IT solution providers are answering the call, as nearly two-thirds have embarked on a vertical specialty to meet demand and stand out from competitors. “Embracing a niche specialty in retail, healthcare, or other sectors will deliver a proven competitive advantage.”