Current Trends In Information Technology: Which Way For Modern It Experts

Abstract

Information Technology is currently the enabler of most services. Advancements in technology has affected the society's way of living both positively and negatively. Today, most of the field of human life are affected by new Technology. The advancement has brought about various Technological trends like Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Social media, Ubiquitous computing, data analytics ,data science and Internet of Things (IoT), a network of large amount of objects, computing devices embedded with microchips, sensors, actuators making this world a smart place to live. This paper discusses the various technological trends of information technology, evolving technologies, the percentage impact of technologies on business and government and finally a framework on the way forward for IT experts generated.

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International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 31
Current Trends In Information Technology:
Which Way For Modern It Experts
1Kadima Victor Chitechi, 2Daniel A. Otanga
1Senior Computer Technologist, 2Lecturer,12Department of IT,
MMUST P.O BOX 190, Kakamega, Kenya.
12Masinde Muliro University of science and technology [MMUST]
Abstract
Information Technology is currently the enabler of
most services. Advancements in technology has
affected the society’s way of living both positively and
negatively. Today, most of the field of human life are
affected by new Technology. The advancement has
brought about various Technological trends like
Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Social media,
Ubiquitous computing, data analytics ,data science
and Internet of Things (IoT), a network of large
amount of objects, computing devices embedded with
microchips, sensors, actuators making this world a
smart place to live. This paper discusses the various
technological trends of information technology,
evolving technologies, the percentage impact of
technologies on business and government and finally
a framework on the way forward for IT experts
generated.
Keywords — Information Technology
Advancements, Cloud Computing, Mobile
Computing, Social Media, Internet of Things (IoT),
IT Expert, Ubiquitous computing, Emerging Trends
I. INTRODUCTION
The history of Information Technology is traced to
early civilizations when the art of recording the
information developed. It followed mechanical and
later electronic path as in today’s society. In the early
age, information was recorded on objects such as
stones, metal plates, cloth, and paper like materials.
The term Information Technology is a collective term
for the various technologies involved in processing
and transmission of information, which includes,
computing, telecommunication and microelectronics
just to mention a few [1].
Evolution of Information Technology included some
steps, which led to various developments. The first
break through was the invention of paper and Ink.
The invention of the paper in 105 A.D. in China and
subsequently the ink also. Paper provided better and
durable writing medium than the earlier fragile ones
[1]. The other most important landmark in the history
of recorded knowledge was the invention of movable
type by Gutenberg in 1438. A.D. in Germany. It led
to the proliferation of literature and brought a
revolutionary change in the development of library.
The third in the series of great inventions are the
development in the field of telecommunication, which
include. Telegraph - In 1837 by An American SFB
Morse. Telephone - In 1876 by Alexander. Graham
Bell, Radio - In 1895 by an Italian G. Marconi.
Television - In 1925 by a Scotsman J.L. Baird Laser -
In 1960 by an American Theodore Mainan - Optical
Fibre Communication - Communication Satellites -
Facsimile Transmission - Electronic mail etc. [1].
It is common knowledge that, Information
Technology has affected the human being almost in
all sphere of life in most sectors including education,
healthcare, business, communication or our day-to-
day tasks [2]. Information Technology helps us to
gather, communicate, manage and interconnect large
volume of data and information. Various
technologies in IT are growing very fast like cloud
computing, mobile computing, social media etc.
which is changing the way of doing the jobs [2]. With
the help of cloud computing we are able to get
hardware and software resources virtually on pay per
demand basis [3].This helps an individual as well as
organizations to avoid installing heavy and costly
software on their systems. [4]Through cloud
computing we are able to get applications, platforms
as well as infrastructure over the internet [3].
Mobile computing enables human beings to access
and process data on their mobile devices as with the
speed of personal computer [3].Social media helps to
interact with the peoples over the globe in a very
user-friendly manner [5]. Wireless devices are
becoming very popular these days. Ubiquitous
computing or Internet of Things (IoT) is making
almost every object IT enabled that can sense,
process as well as transmit data among different
objects in real time over the existing networks. This
helps us to control the objects remotely and thus
saving our time. Ubiquitous computing is the major
area of research these days and in the coming year’s
number of embedded objects with computing device
have increased very fast. This paper will discuss and
review related literature on the various technological
trends of information technology that are evolving
rapidly and the way forward for IT experts [6].

International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 32
II. RELATED LITERATUR ON IT TRENDS
Information technology Industry has been regarded as
an emerging industry with vast technological growth
[7]. The industry has been experiencing tremendous
trends since its origin. Information technology has
contributed significantly since the start of new
millennium and most companies share some common
goals to bring innovation in various fields of
technology. This paper discusses in detailed using
previous studies, literature reviews and journals the
current trends of information technology and way
forward for Information Technology experts [7].
A. Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is one of the latest advancement in
information technology that has impacted more on
organisations growth on a daily basis. Cloud
Computing is said to comprise of a pool of shared
resources, which includes server, storage, networks,
services, and applications that can be shared with
individuals as well as with organization on pay per
use basis in a cost efficient manner. Cloud computing
services are usually owned and managed by the third
party providers who deliver the services to the user
on pay per-use basis [3]. Cloud Computing has
various computing services that are very key to
clients, this services include; Software as a Service
(SaaS): SaaS is the very familiar type of cloud
service to the customers. Software as a Service is the
topmost layer of cloud computing architecture that
offers complete application to the customer over the
internet [5].
Among the most familiar software as a Service
(SaaS) applications currently used for businesses are
CRM applications like Salesforce, storage solutions
like Google Drive, Drop box and productivity
applications suit like Google apps [3]
Fig 1.0: Cloud Computing Services
Source: [3]
Another key service is Platform as a Service (PaaS)
which is the middle layer of cloud computing
architecture that offers execution environment as a
service for the software without any need of
downloading software or installation of software for
the developers or end users [3]. Examples of Platform
as a Service (PaaS) are Microsoft Azure and Google
App Engine. The other service is Infrastructure as a
Service (IaaS): Infrastructure as a Service is the
bottom layer of cloud computing architecture that
offers sharing of the hardware resources through
virtualization for executing services [5].
The main motive is to make resources such as
storage, network and servers readily available and
accessible by the operating systems. Cloud
computing has several types which enable it deliver
its functions [5]. These types’ incudes; Public Cloud,
Private Cloud, Community Cloud and Hybrid Cloud.
Examples of Cloud Computing includes; E-mail,
Google Drive, Virtual Office, Google App and
Dropbox. Some of the benefits of cloud computing
includes; Cloud computing reduces IT infrastructure
cost of the company, Cloud computing promotes the
concept of virtualization, which enables server and
storage device to be utilized across
organization ,Cloud computing makes maintenance
of software and hardware easier as installation is not
required on each end user’s computer.
B. Mobile Computing Technologies
Mobile Computing technology allows transmission of
data, audio-video, voice through any wired or
wireless network enabled device without having to
connect to a particular physical location (Kumar,
2016). Mobile computing has led to increase of
portable computing devices and desire to connect to
the internet without having to re-connect to a fixed
location thereby increasing the popularity of the
mobile computing. Use of mobile computing has
increased tremendously due to current advances in
mobile computing that includes GPS, GPRS, Long
Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G and Wi-Max have
become very popular. [5].
Among the main IT trends 2019, there is the long-
awaited launch of 5G mobile devices. The networks
of the new generation have tested and the first 5G-
ready smartphones are available on the market. This
will introduce new standard promises to bring
broadband download speeds over mobile networks
and to provide 10x faster internet services than
4G.However, the use of new generation network is
much wider. 5G will provide the impetus for the
further development of the Internet of Things, self-
driving cars, virtual and augmented reality, robotic
surgery, drone delivery just to mention a few [8].
Mobile Computing Devices that aid in enabling the
service includes; Smart Phones, Personal Digital
Assistance (PDAs), Laptops and Wearable Devices
like Google Glass, Apple smart watch, head mounted
display are some examples of wearable devices. The
advancement in mobile computing has realised
several advantages and disadvantages which
includes: Increased Productivity due to its
effectiveness and efficiency.

International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 33
Fig 2: Mobile-Computing Devices
Source: [3]
Time saving since there is no need for travelling
schedules to locate network, flexible since no user is
restricted to work in a given location, source of
entertainment since most gadgets are used for a
variety of entertainment purposes [5]. However
mobile computing have their own limitations too
which includes; in-security Issues and connection
barriers.
C. Social Media
Today, most nation’s media is considered as fourth
estate or fourth pillar of the democracy due to its
growth and increased use as a communication tool.
These days this fourth estate of media is supported by
social media [5]. Social media become a common
place to discuss all issues existed in society today.
Social media is playing a major role in integrating the
world. Social media is also doing their contribution to
make this world a better place to live by raising
issues of social importance. Advances in information
technology changing all aspects of doing things and
social media platforms become major tools in the
growth of business marketing [5].
The widespread use of these social media platforms
by the consumers and businesses all over the world
motivate the business people to market their products
on social media platforms. Social media is a powerful
tool for advertisement and marketing. Almost all
business organizations are using social media to
connect with their customers and serving in a better
way. Social media also help customers to give
reviews and feedback regarding some products that
helps to the new customers to know about the product
and help the company to know the views of the
customers regarding some product. Social media has
emerged from being cyber world geek buzz to a
massive platform for professionals, entrepreneurs,
businesses and organizations that seek greater
identification and recognition at a very low price [5].
Increased use of social media has been attributed to
various Benefits such as Online Advertisement and
Marketing, there is no need for any geographical
boundaries it is used globally without any
restrictions, and there is an immediate feedback for
the two parties who are interacting. Figure 3.0 shows
some of the image logos for common social media
platforms.
Fig 3: Social Media
Source: [5].
D. Big Data
The technologies that are related to the big data will
continue rising in importance in 2018. Due to its
great return on investment, impact speed and
measurability, digital marketing are now more
popular as compared to the traditional marketing [9]..
This means that big data is now applied to the big
business as many of the digital marketing campaigns
can rely on the huge data quantities to ensure
effectiveness and a greater reach. This is why
companies are now relying on the data management
to ensure conversions from online connections [9].
E. User Interface
The user interface is one area that has undergone
massive revolution since the touch screen was
introduced. The capability of the touchscreen has
revolutionized how the end users are able to interact
with the application. With the touchscreen capability,
the way users are able to interact with the application.
Users are now able to interact freely with what is
being displayed without the need for an intermediate
device such as a mouse [9].
F. Data Analytics
The field of analytics has grown many folds in recent
years. Analytics is a process, which helps in
discovering the informational patterns with data. The
field of analytics is a combination of statistics,
computer programming and operations research. The
field of analytics has shown growth in the field of
data analytics, predictive analytics and social
analytics. Data analytics is tool used to support
decision-making process. It converts raw data into
meaningful information. Predictive analytics is tool
used to predict future events based on current and
historical information. Social media analytics is tool
used by companies to understand and accommodate
customer needs. The every changing field of
information technology has seen great advancement
and changes in the last decade. In addition, from the
emerging trend, it can be concluded that its influence
on business is ever growing, and it will help
companies to serve customers better [10].

International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 34
G. Internet of Things (IOT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of
interrelated physical computing devices, digital and
mechanical machines, animals, objects, or people that
are assigned with unique identifiers and the ability to
exchange data over the network without any human
to computer or human-to-human interaction. A thing
in the internet of things (IoT) refers to large amount
of computing devices that can be a biochip
transponder in a farm animal, automobile with built-
in sensor to alert the driver about some problematic
situation and a person with heart monitor implant.
These types of devices are capable to collect data
through sensors and exchange this data between
devices over the network anonymously [5]. When
IoT is augmented with actuators and sensors, the
technology become more powerful and can handle
variety of tasks. Applications of IoT include building
management, energy management, healthcare
management, transportation management,
environment management etc.
III. RECENT EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES
In this paper, it is important to note that some
technologies are still in the process of adoption due to
their challenges in development. Full implementation
of such technologies will take some time depending
on the user’s feedback. The following technologies
are evolving and are not fully adopted.
A. Quantum Computing
You may be surprised, but the performance of
traditional computers is rather slow. Information
technology trends 2019 say that the next generation
of computers will be quantum computers. They are
actively maturing now and are going to significantly
surpass their ancestors. Quantum computing is a
completely new way of transmitting and processing
data based on the phenomena of quantum mechanics.
Traditional computers use binary code (a bit) to
handle information. The bit has two basic states, zero
and one, and can only be in one of them. As for the
quantum computer, it uses qubits that are based on
the principle of superposition. The qubit also has two
basic states: zero and one. However, due to
superposition, it can combine values and be in all
these states at the same time [9].
Such parallelism of quantum computing helps find
the solution directly, without the necessity to check
all the possible variants of the system states. In
addition, a quantum-computing device does not need
huge computational capacity and large amounts of
RAM. Imagine: it needs only 100 qubits to calculate
a system of 100 particles, whereas a binary system
requires trillions of trillions of bits. Developers have
already learned to build quantum-computing
applications and will strive for their further
development and widespread adoption [9].
B. Block-chain Evolution
Block-chain technology should undoubtedly be
included in the list of tech trends 2019, since it has
been rapidly expanding for the last few months and
still has huge potential. Though most people
associate block-chain with cryptocurrencies only, the
technology can be successfully incorporated into
many other crypto-unrelated fields. The year 2019
will be devoted to the creation of the block-chain
industrial image and its separation from bitcoin and
other cryptocurrencies. We will probably witness
block-chain convergence with other technologies
such as IoT, machine learning and fog computing. As
a result, new practical use cases will be represented,
and the demand for block-chain experts will increase
[11].
C. Use of Drones Technology
All lists of the latest trends in information technology
probably include discussions about drones. For a
couple of years, the creation and usage of drones
have grown into an entire industry — the so-called
UAV (unmanned air vehicle) or UAS (unmanned air
systems) industry [11].. It is developing at an
amazing rate. Autonomous aircrafts are widely used
in farming, military surveillance, accident monitoring
and other areas. In the coming year, the drone
industry will see increasing investment. More and
more drone delivery systems will grow into
commercial projects worldwide. Actually, NASA is
going to complete the Unmanned Aerial System
Traffic Management (UTM) to manage drone traffic
in the skies.
D. Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
Cyber security is becoming essential to everyday life
and business, yet it is increasingly hard to manage
due to the many-exhibited challenges. Exploits have
become extremely sophisticated and it is hard for IT
experts to control the attacks brought about by cyber-
insecurities. Pure automation no longer suffices and
AI is required to enhance data analytics and
automated scripts. It is expected that humans will still
be in the loop of taking actions; hence, the
relationship to ethics. However, AI itself is not
immune to cyberattacks. To manage and control
these challenges affecting the two technologies, there
is need to make Artificial Intelligence/Deep Learning
(AI/DL) techniques more robust in the presence of
adversarial traffic in any application area. This is
expected to be implemented in the near future [11].
E. Virtual Reality
Technology that includes virtual reality is becoming
prevalent. The software of virtual reality is making
many industries prepared for various scenarios before
entering them. The medical profession is projected to
use virtual reality for some treatments and
interactions with patients in the coming years [11].
Virtual training sessions for companies can cut costs,

International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 35
fill in the need for personnel, and increase education.
According to Gartner (2019), by the year 2023,
virtual simulations for selected patients with specific
illnesses will reduce emergency room visits in
America by 20 million. These simulations will have
intelligence capabilities, so virtual-reality care can
still provide patients with proper attention (Gartner
2019).
IV. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
WAY FORWARD FRAMEWORK
The information technology trends way forward
framework has been developed from the related
research to show how the trending technologies
and evolving technologies will realise the way
forward for the Information Technology experts.
Figure1 shows the framework with the three
elements.
Fig. 1 Information Technology Trends Way forward
Framework
Source: Developed from Related Research Work
V. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS
WAY-FORWARD
The future of IT experts role is driven by the rapid
growth in technology exhibited by the various trends
as discussed in this paper. However, the use of new
generation network is much wider. 5G will provide
the impetus for the further development of the
Internet of Things, self-driving cars, virtual and
augmented reality, robotic surgery, drone delivery
just to mention a few.
The latest information technology trends we have
discussed in this paper show that the coming years
will bring new breakthroughs and big changes in IT.
There will be a total increase in growth of ICT by the
Emerging Trends on businesses and the government
whereby it is predicted that the technology will
contribute to the growth since both businesses and
the governments will be affected positively by ICT in
the next four year as shown in Figure 2.
Technology
Business %
Impact
Government %
Impact
Machine
Learning
Business 92%
Govt. 90%
Internet of
Things –
Business 91%
Govt. 88%
Block Chain
Business 90%
Govt. 82%
Quantum
Computing
Business 85%
Govt. 80%
3D Printing
Business 83%
Govt. 80%
Robotics
Business 81%
Govt. 72%
Biometrics
Business 80 %
Govt. 82%
Augmented
Reality (AR)
Business 80%
Govt. 77%
Artificial
Intelligence
Business 79%
Govt. 75%
Virtual
Intelligence
Business 79%
Govt. 75%
Virtual Reality
(VR)
Business 76%
Govt. 74%
Virtual Reality
(VR)
Business 76%
Govt. 74%
Autonomous
Vehicles
Business 70%
Govt. 63%
Fig.2 ICT Technological Growth Impact
Source: Derived from Related Literature
VI. CONCLUSION
This paper presents detailed discussion on the various
emerging trends in information technology that is
growing very rapidly. The way forward for the
information technology experts is a key issue since
they are the drivers of technology and have to be
aware and advise. Technological advancements such
as cloud computing, mobile computing, social media
and Internet of things are discussed. Cloud
Computing provides us the way of sharing hardware
and software resources as a service over the internet.
Mobile computing enables people to access data and
information anytime and at any place without any
need to connect to a particular physical location.
Social media is providing new means to connect to
the people all over the world and making this world a
very small place to know each other. Social media
providing a new trends to do marketing and
advertising as compared with traditional medial and
almost all type of businesses are making their
presence over the social media to connect with their
customers. Internet of Things (IoT) enables
computing devices, chips to embed with various
types of real life objects and transfer data among
these objects through existed network infrastructure.
The future of IT experts role is driven by the rapid
growth in technology exhibited by the various trends
as discussed in this paper.
Information and
Communication Technology
Cloud Computing
Internet of Things
(IOT)
Mobile Computing
Social Media
Data Science
Smart cities
Quantum computing
Drones Technology
Smart homes
Autonomous vehicles
Assisted reality and
virtual reality
Deep Learning
Information Technology
Future
Evolving Technologies in ICT
Various Current Trends in ICT

International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT) – Volume 68 Issue 7 – July 2020
ISSN: 2231-2803 http://www.ijcttjournal.org Page 36
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