Watch out for these IT trends in 2021

A new year brings new IT trends expected to impact the way business and industry operates, including healthcare organizations and their compliance trends.

In 2020, unprecedented challenges abounded, including dealing with sensitive customer data in the cloud and allowing artificial intelligence greater control over essential tasks.

Some of last year’s IT advancements were in direct response to the pandemic. With remote workforces, the norm across the globe due to COVID-19, priority was placed on high-speed connectivity, mobility, and networking. Hyperautomation – the application of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) – extended in usage and scope.

As we move through 2021, we explore which of these trends will advance and which fields will see significant innovation.

Common trends expected in 2021

One of the biggest – and most expected – IT trends of 2021 involves the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI). Edge computing was already well underway.

The global pandemic and shift to working from home accelerated the trend, especially in the healthcare industry where compliance trends are concerned. The benefits of edge computing are that it helps preserve bandwidth and increases efficiency in processing information.

Embedding AI locally can further reduce latency issues while lowering cloud services usage and associated expenses.

Other trends we can expect in the forefront in 2021:

• 5G was big on the scene in 2020 and will continue to grow throughout 2021. These fifth-generation data networks promise faster speeds and greater load capacity, which are two factors that can help keep budgets in check.
• Authentication rights and network access advancements will provide much-needed security against cybercriminals. With more data being exchanged and stored in the cloud, it is imperative IT security weaknesses are identified and addressed.

How trends have changed

In 2020, some of the transformational IT trends centered on cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things.

New areas of innovation and opportunity began to emerge. Some of those trends will continue into 2021, with an emphasis on AI. Other changes include the emphasis on using technology advancements to create a more productive remote workforce.

With COVID-19 continuing to drive companies into the unfamiliar territory of at-home workers, IT trends are shifting to provide innovative solutions to this pain point. 

Preparing healthcare organizations

Healthcare organizations must prepare for changes in the way data sharing and storage happen. As virtual care and remote medicine become more commonplace, sensitive information is shared on the cloud and across digital platforms that must remain secure.

Healthcare organizations are tasked with maintaining HIPAA compliance trends, which has never been an easy undertaking. While the 2021 IT trends make remote care more convenient, they increase the risk of exposing sensitive patient data. Healthcare organizations must be vigilant in ensuring any new IT trends they adopt are closely monitored to prevent breaches.

Health data collection has accelerated in recent years, making it a vast commodity for healthcare organizations.

Healthcare businesses will most benefit from investing in IT that advances authentication rights and network access. Healthcare data includes some of the most sensitive information exchanged on the cloud and must be protected to align with HIPAA compliance trends.

CTSI ensures clients conform to HIPAA and can advise on which IT advancements are most beneficial in securing patient data.