Page 22 - EngineerIt January 2021

ICT INSIGHT

Cisco highlights six tech trends

for 2021 and beyond

n 2020, the future of technology Trend 1: Closing the digital divide
arrived faster than anyone could have
Ipredicted. So, as we look to 2021, For those fortunate enough to have internet access, this year, connectivity has become
trends we might have projected for 2024 the lifeblood of society and economic activity. But that’s only about half of the global
are accelerating to the near horizon. population. The pandemic put a glaring spotlight on the other half. In developing
Countless technology initiatives and countries, only 35% have internet access, compared to 80% in more advanced
innovations promise big changes in the economies. And in nearly every country, the digital divide affects rural communities
new year. And, as the pandemic and the poor disproportionately. Today, connectivity provides the essential foundation
revealed, being prepared for the for a society and economy in which all citizens can participate, learn and thrive. That’s
unexpected is critical. That begins with a why we are so excited about the next generation of wireless technologies, including 5G
highly resilient, globally scalable and WiFi6. These will raise the bar on bandwidth, speed and latency, and reach areas
infrastructure — to ensure the security where fibre is prohibitively expensive. Frontline mobile workers, tele-health,
and flexibility that enables organisations manufacturing and education will all benefit. And we see pervasive wireless
to meet any challenge or opportunity. connectivity as the ultimate flattener of the digital divide as these new technologies
“As the pandemic unfolded, we spur growth and innovation for millions of people. According to PwC, bringing the
worked to move from business continuity internet to those who are offline would add $6.7 trillion to the global economy. This
to business agility. We also helped to would lift another 500 million people out of poverty, proving that increasing connectivity
deliver and scale innovative application is an essential pillar to building greater inclusiveness.
experiences faster than ever before. “We are at a critical moment in history. There is so much we can do to seize
With those changes in mind, we see six this moment and create a more inclusive and sustainable world together. I remain
key trends defining the near future of the hopeful for the future and am optimistic that together we can continue to drive
tech and IT industry,” says Garsen change and leave a lasting impact for generations to come” - Chuck Robbins,
Naidu, Cisco GM Sub-Saharan Africa. Cisco CEO.

EngineerIT | December 2020 / January 2021 | 20