Top 12 Tech Trends in 2023

The last several years have seen an acceleration of existing tech trends driven by the pandemic and other workplace disruptions. These changes led companies to embrace or develop new technologies that will continue to impact society and the workplace for years to come.

Here are the Tech Trends to Watch in 2023 

As the end of 2022 approaches, we’ve compiled a list of the top tech trends in 2023. Many of these trends, like increased cloud connectivity and greater IT optimization, aren’t new, but are likely to have a large impact in 2023. We’ll be focusing on business tech trends, including those that will affect how businesses communicate with consumers.

1. AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, or the process of using mathematical data models to allow computers to learn without specific programming, is expected to play a larger role in consumers’ lives. AI will become increasingly easy to use, with no-code AI options featuring drag-on-drop interfaces. Businesses will use AI and machine learning to create more intelligent products and services, rank search results, provide product recommendations, and build better business models to predict consumer behavior.

Machine learning and AI are expected to contribute to some of the biggest technological innovations coming down the pipeline, including self-driving cars and trucks, autonomous shopping and delivery, and increased automation in the workplace.

2. Increased Optimization in the Workplace

Businesses will increasingly optimize their IT and business management software systems for greater reliability and to increase operational value. This will increase data-driven decision making and help businesses identify and act on emerging trends. This may involve companies deploying new technology or increasing utilization of existing technology. It may also involve the increased use of sustainable technology, including solutions that increase the energy or efficiency of your IT services, or technology that increases enterprise sustainability through better traceability, analytics, or emissions management. Corporate investments in sustainable technology may also improve operational resiliency and financial performance while creating new opportunities for growth.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain technology involves a decentralized network linked using cryptography. It’s a digitally distributed ledger of transactions that are recorded and replicated in real time across the network. Crucially, this decentralized structure offers more transparency and creates more empowered users compared to a standard database controlled by one company or party. The blockchain also enables certain types of transactions that could not occur within a centralized database, like the creation and use of cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrency had a bad year in 2022, the blockchain provides security that is useful in other ways, too. The blockchain has multiple uses beyond cryptocurrency, including supply chain monitoring, processing transactions in fiat currency, and to record and transfer the ownership of assets. Benefits of using the blockchain include higher transaction accuracy, improved efficiency, and eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries who traditionally record or process transactions.  The demand for skilled blockchain developers is likely to increase as several industries increasingly implement blockchain technology.

4. Cloud Technology and Cloud-Native Platforms (CNPs)

Organizations will increasingly deploy industry cloud platforms that combine software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) with tailored industry-specific functionality. These platforms enable businesses to more easily adapt to disruptions in their industry or marketplace

Cloud technology has been popular for some time. Users and companies store data in the cloud and deploy technology from the cloud. Now we’ve moved a step beyond redesigning existing software so that it can be deployed from the cloud to designing software for the cloud. Cloud-based systems got a boost during the pandemic when many workplaces transitioned from the office to working at home almost overnight.

Cloud-native platforms offer multiple advantages over more traditional on-premise systems. They update automatically, cost less than many on-premise systems, and offer increased scalability. Gartner predicts that 95% of digital operators will be supported by CNPs by 2025.

5. Increased Network Connectivity  

Businesses and the wider economy will reap the benefits of superior connectivity in 2023. Companies will continue investing in and unveiling new developments or refinements in existing technologies like 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6, and low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite-based communications. Annual data creation may grow 20%-25% per year as a result of faster network connectivity, and telecom companies may see a 10-20% boost in revenue from 5G networks. Increased network connectivity is also expected to lead to higher computing power, which may generate more tech jobs. The GSM Association predicts that more than 1.7 billion people worldwide will subscribe to 5G networks by 2025

Improved network connectivity may lead to an explosion in internet-connected devices, the internet of things (IoT), and the internet of behaviors (IoB). IoB involves a network of connected physical objects that collect and exchange information over the internet. It’s an extension of the Internet of Things (IoT), which consists of physical objects equipped with sensors, software and other technologies that connect to the internet. While IoT involves physical objects like smart thermostats, coffee makers, and wearable devices, IoB involves an analysis of consumer behavior using data collected from the IoT.

Businesses have increasingly come to rely on data as their key to success in an increasingly competitive and connected world. The IoT gives them valuable insight into consumer behavior. This increased insight can help them improve customer interactions and better understand and predict consumer preferences.

6. Virtual Reality and Extended Reality 

Extended reality (ER), which refers to immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is expected to become more prominent and have a bigger impact in the market. This technology has already made an impact among gamers, medical specialists, some retailers, and even in training simulations for the U.S. Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. In 2023, immersive technologies will likely become further integrated into our daily lives. The global AR and VR market was expected to grow to $209.2 billion by the end of this year, and it will likely become even bigger in the years to come.

7. Evolving Cybersecurity  

Cybersecurity is not new. Cybersecurity concerns have been around since the early days of the internet, or at least the early days of eCommerce websites. These technologies, however, are continuing to evolve, largely because new threats and scams emerge every day. New technologies are also being adapted to enhance security.

The increasing number of high-profile hacks (Target in 2013, Home Depot in 2014, Ashley Madison in 2015, Equifax in 2017, and many more) has shined a light on the need for advanced cybersecurity. Consumers have become more conscious about the need for more advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, proactive security, cybersecurity mesh, and more.

Cybersecurity mesh involves using a distributed architectural approach to improve security. Traditional approaches to cybersecurity focused on protecting the traditional IT permitter, while cybersecurity mesh involves a more modular approach. It features centralized policy orchestration combined with distributed enforcement of cyber security policy.

Cybersecurity mesh is next generation cybersecurity. It allows businesses to develop cybersecurity measures based on the identity of devices rather than proximity to protected solutions. This addresses many of the pitfalls typically associated with devices and end-users beyond the reach of the traditional IT perimeter. Cybersecurity mesh is an ideal solution for companies with a remote workforce. Many of the shifts toward remote or more flexible working arrangements are likely to remain, which means that cybersecurity mesh is likely to become a more common approach to cybersecurity.

8. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)  

Robotic Process Automation involves using software and applications to automate businesses processes or repetitive tasks like processing transactions, data collection and analysis, or interpreting applications. It’s related to AI and machine learning. This rapidly evolving technology has the capacity to automate tasks across multiple different sectors. McKinsey estimates that almost 60% of jobs today can be at least partially automated.

9. Edge Computing 

Edge Computing involves using a distributed computing framework that shifts enterprise applications closer to data sources like local edge servers or IoT devices. As the amount of data collected grows, traditional methods of storing and processing this data have often fallen short. Businesses can use Edge Computing to bypass some of the shortcomings of older technologies like cloud computing. With Edge Computing, data is stored closer to where data processing occurs. It reduces the time involved in the continuous transfer of data from the point of collection to the point of analysis. Even a few seconds can have a major impact on computing system efficiency. This allows businesses to process time-sensitive data more efficiently, particularly in remote locations with limited connectivity.

Edge Computing could solve data-related challenges across a wide variety of industries, including transport, manufacturing, healthcare, and any other industry where a few seconds can be the difference between success and failure.

10. Quantum Computing 

Quantum Computing is a type of computing based on the principles of quantum mechanics, including superposition, interference, and entanglement. With Quantum Computing, businesses can easily query, monitor, and analyze data regardless of the data source. Quantum Computing is faster than traditional computing, and it played a major role in helping prevent the spread of COVID and the development of potential vaccines. The banking and finance sectors also use it to manage credit risk, detect fraud, and for high-frequency trading. The Quantum Computing market is expected to generate more than $2.5 billion in 2029.

11. Full Stack Development 

Full Stack Development is one of the newer software trends that is impacting the industry. This trend is expected to continue as the IoT becomes more mainstream. Full Stack Development refers to the development of both the front and back-end development of applications and websites. Taking this approach has multiple advantages. For companies, it’s often more efficient and less expensive than hiring separate back-end and front-end developers. For customers, full stack development can result in better, more efficient websites with enhanced functionality.

12. More Smart Devices

Smart devices have become ubiquitous in many people’s lives. From smartphones to smart thermostats, it may seem like smart devices are everywhere. Smart devices are expected to continue proliferating in 2023, and they’re expected to get even smarter as companies work to improve the functionality of AI home devices like appliances, robots, wearables, and more. The smart home device market is expected to grow to $205.9 billion by 2029. These devices will continue to transform how people live and how businesses use and collect data across multiple different industries, ranging from healthcare to entertainment and home security.

Final Thoughts on Tech Trends 2023 

This is an exciting time to be in the tech or business worlds. The rapid pace of technological development has created unprecedented opportunities for both consumers and businesses. Businesses can remain competitive or even get a leg-up on their competitors by keeping an eye on emerging trends and taking advantage of all the benefits they have to offer.

At CertiPro, we specialize in helping companies automate manual tasks and streamline operations with technology.  We’re experts in Sage ERP and in ERP eCommerce integrations with Magento Adobe Commerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for your business.