Networking predictions for the year ahead
A new year brings new challenges to overcome – and 2012 will make no exception. Read on for this year’s communication trends and tips for staying on top of matters.
nternet traffic is definitely on the rise and as this points put - the role of the network is currently transforming from its core to its center point, enabling people, devices and information to connect and stay connected. The challenges this year brings are being shaped by trends that will see continuity in years to come.
There is an increased need for having any device connected to any content in any way and networks need to bring together wireless and wired access, supporting the increase in devices and providing ubiquitous mobility. Collaboration with customers, staff and suppliers by use of data, voice or video communications on various devices is expected to grow, with video being its cornerstone. Video conferences and video calls have proved to be very powerful means of communication, especially for doing business at a distance. Elements of network security – such as firewalls and content security are expected to converge, offering users seamless connections and context-aware security.
To make sure you stay on top of things and provide users and customers the connectivity they need, one of the most important things you need is reliable and secure wireless access. Mobile devices, used either for business or personal use, need the speed and stability that wireless networks offer. Also, stronger network security is becoming increasingly important – there is nothing more important that the safety of personal data. Last, high-performing, high-available connections are requisite as fast, efficient traffic flow is a top priority for both personal and business use.
This article was featured in the February issue of our monthly PurePages newsletter.
Tech predictions for 2012
Over at PurePages, we like to keep up with everything that is new in the field of technology and wireless communication.
This time of the year, there are a lot of articles featuring different scenarios for the field in 2012. After going through a lot of such articles, we thought of sharing some of these predictions here on our blog. We found the following to be of interest:
- Sleeker, lighter laptops: Wireless has certainly had an impact on the way laptops look. Given that you can access family photos or download a movie really fast, most users rarely use their laptop’s disk drive. This year, we will see more laptops with no optical disk drive and with fewer ports – all this without losing functionality.
- Smartphones improvements: 2012 will see dual core processors becoming the norm for smartphones. This will give smartphones a performance boost due to the dual core processor’s ability to multi-task efficiently. While one of the processors handles low-power functions like calls and messages, the other one is reserved for more high-power functions like gaming or navigation. Also, dual-core processors will improve smartphone battery efficiency.
- The Internet of things – brought about by machine to machine connections. Predictions are that, in 2012 and following years, more and more appliances will be developed to be constantly connected – either one to another and to the Internet. The implications here are tremendous – just think about it – what it would be like to have your fridge alert you that you are out of milk?
- Data- increase cell phone plans: As cell-phone owners tend to make less calls and check their e-mail or Facebook account more often, it is somewhat natural that they would prefer a subscription plan developed according to what they use more. In 2012, we will definitely see more cell-phone plans that emphasize traffic data and give calling minutes less importance.
- Mobile shopping to increase: This holiday season, a massive surge in shopping done via mobile devices has been reported. Given the fact that this type of shopping is highly convenient and given the increase in mobile device numbers, this trend is likely to go on in 2012.
- Mobile payments: Thanks to an already existing technology, making payments without having to reach for your wallet could be a dream come true this year. In 2012, mobile payments might become an alternative as more phones with near field communication chips – or NFC built into are being developed.
- Media consumption habits change: Internet has made it easier for us to borrow media than buy it. This is already available via movie streaming services or music services like Spotify. Also, devices like the Amazon Kindle allow borrowing e-books from public libraries without having to physically visit. These services are expected to grow this year.
Reading and writing this article, we can’t help but feeling that this year we will see technology take another huge step forward, impacting and redefining to a certain extent the way we live and the way we communicate.
So, what do you think? Which of the above will be the first to become a fact in 2012?
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