Kept you guessing on the next two thoughts? Well here is the continuation of Tech Thoughts for 2016. Now for the next two. The first blog in the series can be viewed by clicking here.
3. Big data will become sensible data to pan for gold.
The term “big data” has become such a phenomenon. I have conveyed to my students and clients that data warehouses have been around since the early 1970s by Bill Inmon. Since then, many of the challenges of data warehouses have realized tremendous gains: Lower data storage costs, increased computing speed, and expanded software availability/functionality.
However, one issue is the same now as it was in the 1970s. These data warehouses have become infinite deserts and fields of data (like that metaphor) that are difficult to analyze. The panning for gold “nuggets” will require more sensible data marts. In addition, expanded education and training will need to help erase the frustrations and “bigness” of the analysis tasks.
A parallel societal need … our education system (K-16) must also focus on deeper mathematical analysis and skills.
4. IoT will explode.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a phenomenon that has now transformed 1960s science fiction to now. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association predicts the number of connected devices will increase to 50.1B in 2020; a 175% increase from 2015.
Like with all technology adoption, the paradigm shift will hinge on a) how businesses strategically market/integrate and b) whether consumers accept the technology. The devices (IoTDs) will need careful, thoughtful planning.
Focusing on consumer (and business) acceptance … I believe two issues will be the key factors: trust and purposeful functionality.
Trust: Will businesses overplay the use of the data from the IoTDs? Will the self-accepted, but intrusive nature of these devices cause some doubt and anxiety associated with “too much” connectivity. The points of failure may have too much automation and not enough “human” intervention.
Purposeful Functionality: Will the functionality have a clear and productive purpose into the operations (business) or lives (consumer)? Will it have impact? At this point, an analysis (competitive, technical, etc.) should be completed to determine the value to both the consumer and the business. The basis of sustainable technology integration is always pinned to the value that it provides. The value must also have merit and not be deployed just for the sake of deployment … or the publicity, marketing appeal.
You can view the third blog in this series by clicking here.