This article is part of Cio Applications Europe's Innovation Insights series featuring expert contributions nominated by our subscribers and reviewed by our editorial team.
General understanding of IT dramatically changed during 2020, when usually underestimated business continuity plans proved its value, if were available and delivered on time. At the same time IT proved to be a serious and straight forward value carrier, especially in finance, insurance, commerce, telco, media, etc.
Making predictions is a tricky task. On the one hand you can follow the path “the same but more intensive”. On another hand you would be a billionaire if only knowing for sure the information that is a change trigger. However, there are a couple of words that give an umbrella view of good to know value creating streams.
Digital transformation & Application Enhancements
In 2020 organisations learned that they have many existing systems which are critical to their operations. When business stakeholders push on IT to extend the functionality while increasing the serviceability the usual choice is to enter the digital transformation process. What IT Touch does is to get the full understanding of the current application toolkit together with the roadmap for new expectations. Based on that, IT Touch experts together with the customer team choose the technology to accompany the current system with a plan to switch to a new environment when ready. No matter the industry, Customers are looking for better efficiency, latest technology features and robust integration of available data sources.
As it delivers certain value even within the first year, digital transformation and application enhancement holds top places in CIO agendas.
Low Code Platform
Changes needs to be executed fast and when organisation is looking for: central document repository, effective workflow and process management, integration with hardware document infrastructure, advanced single sign on security, team work capability and dashboard BI supported multi source data management the usual choice is a platform where the majority of work has been already completed. What software developers do is to smoothly integrate the tool within the current environment bringing desired results as fast as possible while still having full control over customisation.
Testing as a key in quality fast application release
Customers and providers professionalise. They do want to lower the cost and automate but after 2020 hardly anyone would like to start from automation. Testing on physical mobile devices gives a place to PWA (progressive web apps) where developers are less machine dependent. Optimised process would mean well managed test repository, extensive indicators analysis and automation only when there is a certain reason to do this. Ultimate goal is the fastest release while keeping the highest standard of quality.
PWA (progressive web apps) vs. dedicated apps
PWA would dominate on app level as this fastens the development process. Dedicated apps would remain only in places where it provides unique value f.e. advanced authorisation in banking apps.
Business Intelligence / Data Analysis
After 2020 medium & large organisations open a slot for BI Business Partners, data engineers that understand business and can provide a certain value to them. No matter the data format, number of sources or access type (ocean vs. garden hose) BI will earn its desirable attention in 2021.
DevOps and Serverless programming
Final touch that makes all the story complete. As business shifted to the electronic world it needs infrastructure to run smoothly and securely. With increasing interest in those industries affected by regulatory compliance like banking or generally fintech. On the other hand serverless programming would definitely make a certain fingerprint.
"May you live in interesting times" is an English expression that is claimed to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse - WikiPedia says.
Definitely 2021 looks to be VERY interesting and I believe and wish everyone that we all would benefit from the changes it will bring. Stay safe!
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The articles from these contributors are based on their personal expertise and viewpoints, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations.
