Gartner predicts rise of "intelligent digital mesh"

AI and advanced machine learning, virtual and augmented reality as well as adaptive security architecture will be among the top 10 strategic technology trends for most organisations in 2017, according to Gartner.

The research firm has listed the technology trends it believes will have the most disruptive potential in the coming year and that are beginning to enter mainstream adoption.

"Gartner's top 10 strategic technology trends for 2017 set the stage for the Intelligent Digital Mesh," Gartner VP and Fellow David Cearley said.

"The first three embrace 'Intelligence Everywhere,' how data science technologies and approaches are evolving to include advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence allowing the creation of intelligent physical and software-based systems that are programmed to learn and adapt. The next three trends focus on the digital world and how the physical and digital worlds are becoming more intertwined. The last four trends focus on the mesh of platforms and services needed to deliver the intelligent digital mesh."

Intelligence Anywhere technologies comprise AI and machine learning technologies and techniques, including neural networks and natural language processing — intelligent apps such as virtual personal assistants, as well as intelligent things such as drones and autonomous vehicles.

Gartner is also predicting that immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality will dramatically transform the way individuals interact with each other and with software over the next five years.

"VR and AR capabilities will merge with the digital mesh to form a more seamless system of devices capable of orchestrating a flow of information that comes to the user as hyperpersonalised and relevant apps and services,” Cearley said.

Another key trend will be digital twins, which involve creating a dynamic software model of a physical thing, using sensor data to monitor and control the object. Blockchain and distributed ledgers are also gaining traction and hold the promise to transform entire industries.

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