Today’s technology is developing at such a rapid rate that it enables quicker change and growth, allowing the rate of change to accelerate to the point that it will eventually become exponential. However, it is not just technology trends and top technologies that are changing; much more has changed this year as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, which has made IT professionals realise that their position in the contactless world of tomorrow will not be the same. In 2020-21, an IT specialist will be continuously studying, unlearning, and relearning.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has gotten a lot of press over the last decade, but it's still one of the hottest emerging technology developments because of its significant impact on how we live, work, and play. AI is now well-known for its dominance in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, mobile personal assistants, ride-sharing apps, and a variety of other applications.

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is a technology that, like AI and Machine Learning, automates work. RPA is the use of software to automate business processes such as application interpretation, transaction processing, data management, and even email response. RPA automates activities that previously required human intervention.

3. Edge Computing

Cloud computing, which was once a cutting-edge technology development to keep an eye on, has now become commonplace, with major players such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform leading the industry. If more companies move to a cloud solution, cloud computing adoption continues to rise. However, it is no longer a new technology trend. It's called the edge.

4. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing, a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and quantum entanglement, is the next notable technology trend. Because of its ability to quickly query, track, interpret, and act on data from any source, this impressive technology trend is also involved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus and developing potential vaccines. Banking and finance is another area where quantum computing is being used to handle credit risk, high frequency trading, and fraud detection.

5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (ER) are the next great technological trends (ER). AR improves the user's environment while VR immerses them in it. While this technology trend has mainly been used for gaming, it has also been used for training, such as with VirtualShip, a simulation software used to train ship captains in the United States Navy, Army, and Coast Guard.