B2B: Technology trends for 2018

Cisco* expects technologies such as blockchain, autonomous devices and virtual assistants to set the trends in the B2B world over the coming months and years. However, there are two key factors without which these trends will remain just visions: a new generation of networks and improved cyber security. If both are taken into account, the following developments would be obvious:1. networks recognize the intention Due to digitalization, networks are more important than ever and must constantly meet new requirements. The network industry is therefore facing a new era: intent-based networks capture a variety of network devices as a uniform fabric so that individual devices do not have to be configured manually. "Intent-based networking also means that networks automatically recognize and react to the context of a situation. They anticipate actions, detect and rectify anomalies, ward off threats and are constantly evolving. This frees IT experts from routine jobs and gives them more time to develop new solutions.2. new safety hazards and solutionsDigitalization requires strict security measures. New types of threats must also be taken into account in 2018. For example, in the case of destruction-of-service attacks, the affected companies no longer have any way of recovering data. Ransomware-as-a-Service allows criminals to extort ransom money regardless of their skills. And business email compromise (BEC) tempts employees to transfer money to attackers. Automated solutions, machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used as a defense. The network can also detect and fend off malware in encrypted data traffic without compromising data protection.3 The new colleague: a virtual assistant Tired of boring business meetings? Artificial intelligence and machine learning will make them completely different in future. In 2018, virtual assistants will support meeting management thanks to AI bots that understand natural language and context. They will understand and carry out simple instructions - for example: "Send this presentation to Peter." Towards 2020, virtual assistants will already be able to summarize the most important topics after a meeting. After 2022, a virtual assistant could suggest suitable colleagues for a team based on the company's goals and employees' skills.4. a world full of multi-cloudsMost companies in Switzerland now also use cloud services - often in combination with on-premise solutions, private and public clouds. However, managing a hybrid cloud environment can be costly and complex. This is because it is difficult to develop uniform applications for both environments - not to mention a consistent interface. This is why new solutions and management approaches for the multi-cloud will emerge in the coming years.5. autonomous, networked things in the IoTAutonomous things networked with the IoT have great potential. Autonomous vehicles may not first appear on public roads, but at airports or logistics centers. AI-based drones can automatically select the most efficient flight route and change it during the flight to avoid obstacles. Possible application scenarios range from inspecting pipelines and mobile phone masts to mapping rough terrain and warehouse management. In the future, autonomous, learning robots will be used in applications ranging from mining to waste management.6 Blockchain: more than just BitcoinBlockchain technology offers many possibilities, far beyond digital currencies. For example, it can be used to exchange and distribute goods, services and data in a transparent, accurate and secure manner. A great added value lies in the combination with the IoT. For example, an energy company can use blockchain to manage interactions between solar modules and the power grid. Car manufacturers could use it to authenticate processes between networked vehicles. However, in order to ensure broad acceptance, the standardization and interoperability of the technology must be driven forward.7. cloud fog continuumIn conjunction with IoT, 5G and AI, fog computing enables the rapid networking of things, applications and devices as well as the processing of huge amounts of data. Until now, data analysis has taken place in the cloud. Fog computing extends capacities to the edge of the network where the data is generated. Here, entire mountains of data can be sifted through in order to trigger alerts or immediate measures in real time. This also saves bandwidth if only cumulative data reports or anomalies are sent to the cloud for further analysis.*Cisco is one of the world's leading technology providers for digitalization solutions.