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Software Development In 2020: 7 Trends You Should Watch For
By: Lisa Logan | January 7, 2020
Home > Blog > Software Development In 2020: 7 Trends You Should Watch For
We’re set out to see big changes this year in the world of software development. Although software can change month-to-month or even day-to-day, there will be several defining changes shaping the software industry throughout 2020. From AI-infused apps to low-code products being adopted in enterprises worldwide, 2020 will be a year of digital transformation. This digital transformation is meant to convey the embrace of cloud technologies, big data analytics and all other manners of work processes that can be automated. In order to keep up, it’s important we match its pace and ensure our businesses are growing according to the latest trends. Keep your eye out for these 6 trends!
1. Greater use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
Initiatives focused on automation are the key trends in software usage for the year 2020, especially in the area of web app development. We will see AI and ML will remove some of the manual, repetitive work that humans have been used to doing through developments such as chatbots. However, we still be at our computers, except now performing our work with higher precision with our engineered technology tools. We will also see coding become increasingly AI-assisted, and as a result, developers will continue to have the freedom to spend more time on developing software that is more complex. According to softwaredevelopment.co.uk, these use of new technologies in the area of software development, can enhance the chances of IT outsourcing, while still maintaining the consolidate market position of certain businesses.
2. Edge computing will increase two-three folds.
In a study conducted by Statista, Edge computing has been predicted to increase by approximately 28 times between 2018 to 2025. It is expected to grow due to an upgrade to cloud computing which is also being embraced by enterprises worldwide. Edge computing is most helpful for areas with poor connectivity or best used at times when processing data is time sensitive.
3. The new 5G network will amaze us.
A faster network than 4G is expected to come out toward the end of 2020. It will provide a wide range of connectivity, attracting many business software development companies. The 5G network will provide improved data security but also virtual apps like 3D gaming will improve augmented reality.
4. Increased use of low-code products.
Just like our previous blog predicting web app development trends – the development industry will also become increasingly reliant on low and #nocode platforms. As organizations make developing software an important part of their business model, we will see increased use of low-code tools that allow users to build apps easily. A survey conducted by Forrester research shows that in 2019, 37% of developers were using or planning to use low-code products. By mid-2020, this number will rise to more than half of developers. Microsoft’s products will be adopted both in straightforward and sophisticated use cases and serve as catalysts for further growth — and consolidation in the low-code market.
5. Higher focus on time stamped data.
The growing trend for software automation will put an increased focus on time stamped data in 2020. In other words, time-stamped data shows how a process or behavior changes over time. For example, Uber’s ability to efficiently match you with a driver nearby is due to its ability to manage the large amounts of real-time data over multiple systems. This use of time-stamped data, data that tells us when it was created, will be increasingly used to help drive business decisions. For example, it can help you track key metrics and the overall well-being of your business or track user-customer interaction
6. Greater need for outsourcing software development.
Remote staffing in software development companies is becoming more common and 2020 will be a year to increase this outsourcing. In research conducted by Technavio, the main reason for outsourcing IT has been the increased need for businesses to optimize their business processes. Technavio estimated that between 2019-2023, “the IT outsourcing market will flourish at a CAGR of 4.42%” as companies who outsource software development also believe that they will be provided excellent service.
7. Improvement in the world of virtual and mixed reality.
Though VR isn’t new, its’ consistent improvement is what creates wonders each year. Companies are investing in their own apps based on VR because they’re following large scale companies like Walmart or the US Army. The niche for which AR and VR is being used is expanding as we’re seeing it in the training of soldiers, 3D gaming, and in education apps for children. According to Statista, the global market size for mixed reality is estimated to reach US $ 180 billion by 2023.
Forecast augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market size worldwide from 2016 to 2023
In Conclusion
The software industry is expected to become revolution by these trends in the next year. Advancements in technology like AI and VR are the fuel behind the growing nature of software and the only way to keep up is to ensure your business keeps up with these flourishing technologies.
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About the Author: Lisa Logan
Lisa Logan is a Marketing Specialist at fivestar*. Since the beginning of her career, Lisa has amassed experience in marketing communications with a focus on strategy and drive for results. She holds a Bachelors of Communications from McMaster University and in her spare time loves to travel the world and spend time with her family.
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