1. Internet of Things

Another IT trend with no intention of slowing down is the Internet of Things (IoT). It was recorded that in 2019, 26.66 billion IoT devices were installed, with experts predicting that this number will surpass 75 billion in 2025. It is estimated that every second, approximately 127 IoT devices are being connected to the internet. From industry to the everyday home, IoT is taking over, check out some examples of weird and wonderful IoT technologies here.

Here at Probado, we are monitoring systems using IoT technologies, helping our clients to save time, money and avoid wastage. If you’re interested in finding out more, give us a call – we have loads of different sensors and a visualisation platform that we can tailor to your needs.

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to be huge this year, with new uses for AI technology being found daily. AI technology dates back to the 1950s and is still growing, more so in recent years. AI technology is efficient, eliminates human error and is able to work around the clock, speeding up many processes. One of the most popular AI programmes is the ApachePredictionIO, with a user satisfaction of 100%. This software allows developers to build and publish a machine learning engine to the internet as well as providing access to multiple machine learning libraries.

3. Cybersecurity

With more and more businesses adopting remote and flexible working models, there is an increased focus on cyber security. More workers are now working outside of the safeties of the office, so it is vital that employees are staying protected when working from home. While we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the pandemic, it is predicted that over a third of workforces will remain remote for at least 18 months. Home cyber security systems may not be as robust as those within the office, and there are likely be inconsistencies from house to house.

4. 5G

5G was huge in 2020 and it is only set to get bigger in 2021 as more people take up this technology. Currently, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA are leading the way with 5G take up. 5G can operate up to 100 times faster than 4G technologies, allowing for a myriad of uses across many different industries. When 5G first appeared on the scene, many were sceptical about this new technology, however now that it has been tried and tested in the real world, those who were originally on the fence are being swayed to try 5G in 2021.

5. Internet of Behaviours

Internet of Behaviours (IoB) is the collection of data to influence behaviour using behavioural psychology. IoB data can be gathered from many different sources, such as GPS locations, social media and customer data. Axios describes IoB as trying to make sense of human behaviour through data mining.

Source: GBKSoft
IoB helps us to truly understand the masses of data we now have access to (partly thanks to IoT technologies) and helps organisations to apply that understanding and influence behaviours, whether that be within their employees or their customers.

2021 is set to be an exciting time for IT. There are a number of IT trends that we think will dominate the tech space this year. Whether it be 5G or Internet of Behaviours, we’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this year’s IT trends, head to Twitter to be part of the conversation!

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What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and basically means using the phone service over the internet. An increasing number of businesses are finding themselves in a situation where working from home is essential, or are incorporating more flexible working patterns. With this shift towards non-office-based work, many are having to upgrade their phone systems to VoIP. Where setting up everyone within a team with a traditional telephone sounds like a mammoth and expensive task, all this can be easily avoided by making the switch to VoIP.

Is VoIP right for my business?

VoIP has many benefits for businesses, not least because operating over the internet allows for reduced setup and operational costs, reduced hardware and increased connectivity.

• Be flexible

VoIP allows businesses to set up remotely and with more firms incorporating flexible working, employees can simply connect their device to the internet. As well as allowing for staff flexibility, VoIP allows for flexibility within your business. Whether you are expanding or downsizing, VoIP systems can grow with your business and can be deployed quickly to suit your needs. The need for arduous and time-consuming installations is removed.

• Cost-effective

VoIP systems are cheaper than traditional phone lines. With reduced installation costs and hardware, it’s easy to get set up with VoIP quicky and cheaply. Using the internet to make calls means the cost per call is a fraction of traditional prices.

• Keep connected

VoIP is now very well established, and with newer internet connections, reliability has significantly improved. It is worth noting that traditional BT POTS and ISDN circuits will cease in December 2025, making VoIP the only choice. Switching over sooner rather than later will ensure your business is ready for the future of telephony. Here at Probado we have been delivering VoIP services for over ten years meaning our team is fully equipped to help build resilience into your telephony requirements in line with your budget.

At Probado we offer a free initial site visit to make sure your internet system can support VoIP phones. Our telephony service is tailored to your business and includes either the purchase or rent of handsets, call handling and recording services, and maintenance. We see your phone system as a central part of your company’s branding and day-to-day operations; therefore, it will be dealt the respect it deserves. If you have any questions or need a helping hand with the process, get in touch with a member of the team.

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You may think that there is no need to connect everyday items like egg trays or wine bottles to the internet, but these devices are being used globally to improve the efficiency of everyday tasks and aid in major programmes for manufacturers, retailers, and other business ventures. Here we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Internet of Things.

IoT in the Home

You may not even realise that your home is becoming an IoT hotspot. How many of us now have smart speakers and casting devices that help us around the home? Products like the Amazon Alexa or Google Chromecast are all Internet of Things devices. They all connect to the WiFi and together form a network.

Here are some examples of wacky and wonderful IoT products for the home:

HapiFork

The HapiFork is a quirky electronic device that monitors and tracks an individual’s eating habits, ultimately aiming to help someone maintain a healthy eating pattern.

Source: HapiFork

ClickStick

Does your deodorant connect to an app and feature LED lights? Maybe we’re missing a trick when it comes to ClickStick’s smart, eco-friendly deodorant stick. This product can link to your phone, enabling each user to set application preferences and order refills, it even has features to help avoid skin irritation and leakage!

Source: ClickStick

Smalt

Dine with ease with the Smalt (get it? smart salt) saltshaker. This sleek device allows you to monitor and dispense different amounts of salt and can be connected to a smart speaker so you don’t have to lift a finger… “Alexa, one pinch of salt please”.

Source: Smalt

IoT in Industry

While smart saltshakers and deodorants are more novelty items that may seem ridiculous, IoT can be used within industry to help improve efficiency and productivity.

IoT in industry incorporates machinery, analytics and devices, connecting industrial machinery with communications channels and programmes to create a network of systems that can monitor, control, analyse and communicate.

These IoT devices contain sensors that are connected to the internet and can gather and share data. This helps improve, and in some cases allow for, machine-to-machine communication, improving efficiency and speeding up processes.

Here are some examples of IIoT:

Siemens MindSphere

MindSphere is a cloud based IoT unit that collates data from different devices within a site using AI and advanced analytics. It then processes the data to deliver results and analytics, aiming to improve operations and production quality, and deploy new business models across a network.

Source: Siemens

Airbus Factory of the Future

Airbus’s Factory of the Future initiative aims to reduce the amount of manual work required to build aircrafts. This will give them the ability to keep up with future demand and keep developing new variants. In 2019, Airbus opened their Finkenwerder plant in Germany to bring these plans to life.
Read more here.

Source: aeroTelegraph

ABB’s Robotics

Swiss-Swedish company, ABB is using IoT technology to aid its work in robotics. Using low-cost, connected sensors, ABB is able to monitor the maintenance of its robots, allowing the teams to assess the progress of the robots as well as identify and initiate any repairs or maintenance work before an issue arises.

Source: ABB

However, due to their increased connectivity, manufacturing and industrial sites are becoming increasing targets for cyber-attacks. However, there are simple steps you take to improve your cyber security and helping to keep hackers at bay.

Internet of Things technologies are doing wonders to improve the efficiencies of day to day life as well as production and manufacturing processes. Whether you are still sceptical, or are embracing IoT in your life, you should definitely consider the idea of a connected network and think about how it could benefit your business.

For more information, get in touch with a member of our team here.

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