In today’s digital economy, technology has completely transformed our lives, not only in the way we live and work but also in terms of how we consume. For businesses, it brings the challenge of ensuring secure growth in the face of spiraling costs and increased competition. CTOs need to future proof businesses by focusing on key areas such as customer/user experience, data, and analytics, the security of IT and data from the threat of fraud and cyber-attacks as well as internal and external regulations to ensure survival in a highly competitive environment. Moreover, it’s essential to ensure that any implementation permeates throughout the organization for it to be effective.
Top Technology Areas that CTOs Should Invest in 2019:
CTOs should consider the needs not only of customers but also of employees, who use devices for both business and personal tasks. Keeping in mind this requirement, the most significant technology areas for investment include:
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
In the face of the possible threats to business and personal data from insecure networks and cyber-attacks, it’s essential to have a powerful MDM solution to ensure that every enterprise-managed device is deployed with the necessary protocols to protect them. The capability of an effective MDM solution should cover aspects such as remote wipe and access, remote control, location tracking, geofencing, and user authentication, among other features to keep the device and its data safe at all times. Since MDM solutions enable restrictions, it contributes to the optimal usage of the data and device for business purposes, thereby enhancing user productivity, workflow efficiency, and fluidity in internal operations.
For IT teams MDM software presents an efficient solution for performing tasks such as bulk enrolment of devices, device and user management, mass deployment of security policies and device restrictions and many others from a single platform, thereby simplifying the process of managing, monitoring and securing devices and data.
End-User Experience
Most organizations focus on the customers when defining user experience, but CTOs are redefining it to include employees. Software or products with an intuitive interface can not only increase employee productivity but also help to keep them more engaged and agile when they work. Additionally, the software tool should have the capability of working seamlessly across multiple platforms, besides simplifying processes such as profile creation and user self-management that empower employees to work independently from anywhere at any time, without compromising on privacy and security.
Cyber Secure Work Environment
Cyber-attacks come with the threat of severe consequences to the organization, but the degree of the threats is also dependent on the way employees use security tools and manage their security settings. Therefore, it’s vital to invest in preventive as well as remedial technologies and mechanisms to build a robust cyber defence system for the organization. The security mechanism and techniques should offer comprehensive coverage across the entire periphery of the organization so that all activities can be monitored, detected and measured to prevent attacks and to provide corrective measures in the event of a threat becoming a reality. Additionally, it should simplify security management for users and allow them to report a threat or unusual activity as soon as they note it.
Cloud: A new way of working
Undoubtedly, cloud computing is the next big trend in enterprise technology as it provides the benefits of desktop and software virtualization. By investing in cloud technologies, CTOs can empower employees to work more efficiently and increase employee engagement since it allows users to access cloud services from anywhere by using an Internet connection.
5G Environments
From being tested in 2017, 5G is being deployed for large scale pilot projects and trials in various countries across the world in 2019. Furthermore, one can expect to see it making commercial advances in the US and parts of Asia with the global standard for 5G scheduled to release in 2020.
Significantly, the benefits of 5G will go far beyond enriching consumer experience. For the enterprise, 5G networks have the power to support high-value services such as those that are IoT enabled and power critical (utilities, public safety, healthcare, etc.).
Conclusion
While agility, productivity, employee engagement, and enhanced customer experience are the primary factors that CTOs need to consider when looking at investing in new technology trends, it’s equally important to consider scalability so that the organization can quickly adapt to the future needs.
At TechAhead, a leading mobile app development company, we have diverse experience in Cloud solutions, Cybersecurity, and User Experience, among other areas. Before suggesting the perfect technology strategy for an enterprise, our team undertakes a detailed analysis of the client’s unique requirements and processes to get a better understanding of the solutions that will work best for the organization.