In 2020, the Indian IT sector’s revenue was estimated at approximately $191 billion by Statista, which accounts for a significant portion of the economy. With so much invested in the industry, leaders are eager to capitalize on the latest “next-gen” software that will revolutionize the sector’s operations. While many solutions are drawing attention, the real trends to look for in 2021 are in AI, blockchain, and progressive web apps (PWAs).
AI Software: This Is Bigger Than Siri
Leading Indian IT firms are diversifying their AI and blockchain offerings through innovation hubs and research/development centers. New technologies, including analytics, digitization, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings have provided vast opportunities to the IT sector.
AI-powered automation in application operations has seen a significant increase in demand throughout the world. This includes other related solutions such as Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
Over 330 use cases have contributed to significant AI market growth across several industries and have led to a market forecast of $126 billion by 2025. While these growth projections are impressive, it has the potential to grow even further as we increase our understanding of how artificial intelligence can integrate horizontally with other industries.
While a key benefit of AI software is the interpretation and response to natural language patterns, as well as contextualization, it is important to note that AI is not a replacement for impromptu human conjecture and critical thinking.
Rather than replacing all customer service agents – for instance – with chatbots, developers are finding innovative ways to nurture the relationship between the human workforce and AI tools, forming a harmonic, symbiotic relationship.
An example of this is the development of modern human resource management software systems that automate candidate screening and engagement, new hire onboarding, and employee engagement practices. Leveraging AI tools allows companies to streamline their HR workflows more efficiently by reducing human error and automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
As we move into 2021, we’ll also experience an AI paradigm shift, focusing more on predictive AI. We’re already seeing a lot of predictive AI utilization, including Google searches based on historical data and the Indian government’s recently launched AI portal designed to boost its status as an emerging tech innovation hub.
We suspect that we’ll be seeing much more predictive AI-driven automated technologies circulating more civilian-friendly environments in the near future.
Progressive Web Apps: Don’t Keep Your PWA as a POW in the Battle for Accessibility
PWAs can do things neither a regular web app nor a mobile app can on their own, creating the perfect formula for cross-channel accessibility.
Many Indian IT companies have harnessed the power of PWAs to make it possible for users to view websites on a mobile web browser or desktop without the need to download computer programs or special apps. With the Indian IT sector’s help, users can access PWAs from any web browser and receive the same user experience from any operating system.
Blockchain: Changing Business Models Around the World
International exchanges are especially vulnerable in the hands of payment networks. Typically, international transactions take 3-5 days to settle and come with a hefty cost per transaction. Blockchain alternatives like Ripple and Tron boast greatly reduced fees and confirm transactions in less than half the time.
Bypassing big banks is an attractive first-thought, which is why Blockchain has saturated banking and financial outlets. However, with blockchain’s ability to pinpoint severe lapses in data security, perhaps we can apply it to the voting process, cutting out any software with seedy security protocols.
Additionally, cloud computing is a major trend right now, and blockchain juxtaposes nicely, curtailing porous protocols with cryptographic record-keeping. As we continue to enhance security and privacy in 2021, blockchain technology will be a key solution that will be leveraged cross-industry.
The Bottom Line
Of all the latest trends impacting the globe, it is the horizontal nature of blockchain, AI, and PWAs that make them stand out above others. The ability of these solutions to enhance nearly every industry makes them must-note solutions for businesses and IT leaders in 2021.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors’ and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.