Innovation has become circadian in Information Technology with millions of software, applications and programs perforating into our everyday lives. The popular maxim of "the best time to buy an electronic gadget is tomorrow" is becoming more "truer" with evolving IT. Technology ecosystem is growing fuzzier with increasing number of utilities and products.
The reason of this exponential growth of tech products lies behind business strategies of IT companies and their breakthrough innovations to disrupt the market. Not all of the products produced to fulfill demands of consumers. IT market grew such that, products itself create their own demand and Consumerism transformed as the driving engine to the unending array of new IT products. IT Consumerism is defined as the use of technologies that can be provisioned by non-technologists. It is a nexus of personal and business use of technology. As traced by research firm Gartner Inc., technology has entered the market place shifting from its conventional uses into applications in general domains and daily life. Consumerism played an imperative role to bring technology in common life of people from the spheres of computers, hardcore programming and 'geeks only' spaces.
IT is now more aligned to trends, which can be equated with fashion. In the onset of this digital era, technological capabilities are beginning to outdo human. The shifting landscape of technology is defined by introduction of new products or categories. Frequent disruptions are occurring in the market with thousands of new startups and innovations. Any communication device, delivery platforms and collaboration channels are on the brink of frequent change either by versioning or by complete replacements. The reason for this is- technological developments are primarily driven by consumer world. For instance, now mobile applications are replacing computer applications as users adopted mobile devices. Consumers have facilitated the evolution of new traits in the IT market shaping up as new modes and methods of tech accessibility and use.
Vanishing touch interfaces is such as a trend in IT. Computers and devices now can detect motion and gestures to act accordingly. Therefore, this could be the end of conventional touch pads and mouse clicks. On the other hand, wearable technologies going viral have facilitated the trend of no touch interfaces. The development is excellent offering new user experience. The idea will bring a new range of products in the market out casting older technologies. The ease and level of comfort will be different, as it will offer a new experience of interaction with a device. However, it is not guaranteed that the trend will offer ease and comfort to every user. Following this trend, users will be compelled to use the technology sooner to later.
Wearable technologies are creating the latest hype and the trend is going to be the next level tech paradigm. It is primarily centered on devices and apparels. A range of wearable accessories such as glasses, jewelry, headgear, belts, footwear and other fashion products can be now used as gadgets increasing their utilities. They are no longer just for fashion; they are used as monitoring devices, entertainment and communication gadgets. The market of wearable technologies is poised to grow reaching 70 billion USD in 2025 from its current value of 20 billion USD. Most wearable devices are related to healthcare being used as medical, fitness and wellness devices. Disruptive technologies such as e-textiles are on the way to become a major player in the market.
An abrupt outgrowth of new hardware materialized the growth of applications and intangible aspects of IT such as Cloud computing, Social Media, Big Data and so on. Cloud computing is one of the most sophisticated trends of IT. The Internet web powering communication and devices has been the boon for the generation. It is in fact, an empowerment, with substantial impact on business, politics and the society holistically. Cloud computing is basically, the restricted Internet domain for corporate and business use. It comprises of services such as software, computation, storage, and data access. The development of cloud computing, its features and amenities, itself has created its own niche as an unavoidable component of business and enterprises.
Big Data is the creation of Internet and the abruptly increasing communication technologies. Information and data in the Internet has metamorphosed in such a way that it has now become an engine to drive consumerism itself. Big data is gaining prominence due to aggressive advances of businesses to utilize information generated in the Internet domain via tech devices. Mass adoption of technology by general populace and businesses has facilitated its growing significance. IDC projected the market to reach $125 billion worldwide by the end of this year. Side by side, Internet of Things (IoT) has been growing in tandem with Big Data. The development of these technologies is primarily linked to business catering to market demands. Utilization of these new technologies leads to better business edges, which in return brings better productivity.
Hence, the market become more aggressive and competition became a common phenomenon in the consumer world.
Technology turning to consumerism was obvious, as the inquisitive human mind cannot be easily contended. Technology has become a parameter to the progress of human civilization and it will keep on developing. A trait becomes a trend only when it is successful to match with the demands of general populace. Consumerism, which is driven by technology is improving the way human beings live and chooses to live. Disruptions in the market are vital for progress and competition always brings better outcomes. Tech traits will continue to disrupt the market, however, the extent of their use and transformation of 'traits' to 'trends' is entirely dependent on us, the ultimate beneficiaries.
(Ozair Yasin is MD SoftAge Information Technology Limited)
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