W. P. Carey Alumni Share Technology Trends

We asked W. P. Carey Alumni: What technology trends are you seeing in the workplace?

Here is what they shared:

  • Efficient Data Processing
  • Zero Trust Initiatives Drives Architecture Changes
  • Brick and Click Anonymity
  • Cloud Computing
  • Connectivity to the Edge
  • Data-Driven Decisions
  • Machine Learning Improves With Neural Networks
  • Speech Technologies Are Transforming the Workplace
  • Metaverse Continuum is Poised to Change the Way We Work

Efficient Data Processing

We are seeing an increased need for efficient, secure, and fast data processing. Many businesses are moving to cloud and edge computing, allowing them to process exponential amounts of data. The amounts of data input are increasing exponentially and it won’t slow. In this cloud and edge computing world, new storage options will need to be presented soon.

Angel Larena, BS CIS ‘20, Infosys

Zero Trust Initiatives Drives Architecture Changes

Zero trust is one major trend that has implications across multiple areas of technology, especially in the world of cybersecurity. There’s been an increased focus on re-architecting networks, systems, and processes building on the assumption that perimeters have already been compromised. Identity, in particular, plays a more centralized role in zero trust architectures. 

President Biden signed an Executive Order (EO 14028) in May 2021 requiring federal agencies to develop plans to implement zero trust architectures, while enterprise customers are trying to get ahead of the constantly changing threat environment which puts their operations, data, finances, and reputation at risk. 

Jaclynn Anderson, BS Marketing ‘00 & MBA ‘05, OTR Global

Brick and Click Anonymity

As we enter the post-vaccination world, society will likely demand that any offline data entry processes be left in history as well, but the rise of connected digital identities will leave a valuable trail of big data. Society will be balancing authenticity and privacy as they decide between connectivity for convenience and having machine learning/artificial intelligence tracking every move. Capital flows from venture capital to private equity and institutional investors will continue to allocate funds to tech that contribute to both connectivity and anonymity. 

For graduates, early in their careers, choosing a path that focuses on helping cut the historical “paper fat” and, or using data through connectivity to create insights and additional automation will do well. Folks in more traditional industries that are curious and working to embrace the trend will also do well. 

Henry Li, BS Economics, Finance, Minor in Law Economics ‘03, Wells Fargo

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has become a major technology trend in the workplace because of the on-demand availability, data storage, and computing power it provides its users. It also offers several benefits to organizations, such as resource efficiency, cost savings, and streamlined technology deployment. Organizations and users are able to monitor their resources without direct active management, which makes it an efficient resource for business activity. Cost savings may occur because most service providers offer it as a pay-as-you-go service rather than a fixed cost (e.g., data centers), so organizations only pay for what they use.

Additionally, due to the broad availability of technologies cloud computing offers, resources are available as needed for organizations to streamline technology deployment. Overall, the use of cloud computing will continue to grow in the workplace.

Cassie L’Heureux, BS Finance and Accountancy ‘15, GoDaddy

Connectivity to the Edge

The main trend that will continue in the 4th industrial revolution is the improvement of connectivity to the edge. The Edge has expanded from where it was even 5 years ago. Allowing efficiency in the business world as less data has to be input by people into systems. Data is immediately translated into systems allowing data to be analyzed that provide quicker insights than previously imagined. This will continue to change how we live, work and play for years to come, as people and businesses continue to harvest things that make the world move faster.

Roth Eddings, BS MIS ‘16, HPE

Data-Driven Decisions

With the competitive landscape of today’s business environment, companies are turning to ‘mining’ their data using predictive analytics and business intelligence tools. The challenge companies are finding, however, is the insights they are obtaining from the data aren’t always accurate as the insights are only as good as the quality of the data which forces them to perform data remediation efforts before they can use the data. 

Because of this, I am seeing more and more companies put in formal data governance programs and tools to ensure the data is of the best possible fitness for consumption and enriching the datasets with other reliable sources before they attempt to use their analytical and business intelligence tools, allowing them to gain a virtual view out the windshield versus making decisions looking at the rear-view mirror using historical data.

Glenn Schulke, BS Computer Science ‘82, EPAM Systems, Inc

Machine Learning Improves With Neural Networks

The trend that will continue to develop is in the area of automation, specifically machine learning combined with neural networks in the travel industry.  Machine learning optimizes efficiencies allowing travel apps to share tracked bag information, rebook confirmations, and distribute hotel/meal vouchers. Neural networks add the ability to process data much like a human brain.

Combining machine learning and neural networks is the next trend and will allow those same apps to predict customer behaviors; proactively offering information key to the customer’s distinct journey. Knowing the customer and understanding human behaviors means future app functionality will optimize each individual’s journey in the way he/she needs it. For instance, customers may see a deal on airport cocktails or the app may steer a customer to the nearest airport spa. 

Tamara Cotter, MBA Supply Chain Management ‘93, Southwest Airlines, Co.

Speech Technologies Are Transforming the Workplace

Rapid adoption of speech technologies by consumers is spilling over into the workplace and now are becoming key enablers. Proliferation of capabilities fueled by cloud computing and deep learning through neural networks are evolving speech technology in organizations from a convenient computer input to becoming the backbone of critical business competencies. 

A gamut of speech technologies is enabling people with disabilities to participate in the workplace in roles that were previously difficult or impossible without the enabling technology. Virtually every industry from agriculture to education, from healthcare to transportation is benefiting from the rapidly developing speech technology capabilities. Within the coming decade, we will continue to adopt speech technologies without giving them a second thought. 

Kevin Brown, MBA ‘02, Cognizant

Metaverse Continuum is Poised to Change the Way We Work

One of the most important technology trends today and in the future is the metaverse. The metaverse is not a single technology, but rather the result of multiple breakthroughs in computation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and virtual reality to name a few. 

As we explain in our annual Accenture Technology Vision 2022, this ‘metaverse continuum’ – which we define as a spectrum of digitally enhanced worlds, realities, and business models – will blur the lines between our physical and digital worlds and transform the way we work, live and interact in the years to come.

Prashant Shukla, MS Economics ‘07, Accenture

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By W. P. Carey Career Services Center
W. P. Carey Career Services Center