The top 10 workspace trends 2016

WORKSPACE A look at the latest trends in the workplace from an IT perspective. Among the most important developments are context-based workplace provision, wearables and smartwatches, and the Internet of Things.1.    Adaptive Workspace AccessContext-based workplace provisioning—taking into account location, time, device, or available bandwidth—will play a key role in the coming months. Companies will use smart management tools to ensure that their employees have the right apps, documents, and data available at the right time on the right device, so they can perform their tasks as easily as possible. For example, access to sensitive data from a mobile device can be controlled based on location, or a printer can be automatically configured based on the user’s current location.2.    Unified Endpoint ManagementThe convergence of mobile and traditional devices is already a reality, making it increasingly important to manage this heterogeneous environment holistically through a unified solution and a unified management process. Because the mapping of devices and applications is becoming increasingly difficult to understand and control, unified endpoint management is high on the IT agenda for 2016.3.    Virtual Personal Assistants / Voice ControlSiri, Cortana, and others aren’t just becoming a part of our personal lives—they’ve become so powerful that they’re now finding their way into our daily work routines. Even today, they have the potential to evolve into a kind of personal assistant that helps with handling emails and managing appointments. It won’t be long before we’re able to manage administrative tasks (e.g., locking or updating devices) via voice control.4.    Wearables & SmartwatchesSmartwatches and wearables are now more than just status symbols—they are evolving into an extension of the workplace. Data collection and transmission via wearables, already well-established in the healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, will soon become widespread in other industries as well. According to Gartner, 5 million smartwatches are expected to be in use in enterprise environments by 2018, all of which will need to be managed and secured.5.    Social ITSMSocial media features have become indispensable in many areas; this also applies to IT service management, which will shift even more toward interaction in the coming year. Concepts such as „employees helping employees“ and interactive knowledge platforms are on the rise, and hashtag-based N:1 or N:N communication is becoming the norm.6.    License Management for the Cloud/Mobile-First EraCompanies are increasingly turning to mobile and SaaS applications. As a result, they need to give serious thought to license management in the mobile / cloud era, as these new apps introduce new complexities for license management but also offer potential cost savings for companies—such as usage analytics for SaaS apps like Office 365, Salesforce, or Citrix GoToMeeting. That is why license management for the cloud plays an important role in 2016.7.    Workspace AggregationWork styles and workplaces are currently changing so rapidly that Gartner refers to this phenomenon as “workspace aggregation.” The browser is establishing itself as a new operating system because the context-based linking of apps, data, information, services, and identities is becoming increasingly important.8.    Predictive Workspace AnalyticsForecasts and simulations regarding workstations and the associated processes are becoming increasingly important. The reason: Interrelationships are becoming more complex, and investments (budget, personnel) are increasing. It helps IT managers if they can simulate recurring tasks or time-consuming processes—such as rollouts—in advance, as well as high incident rates at the service desk, for example. In addition, simulations of license adjustments are of interest to many companies as a way to identify potential savings and compliance implications; this saves both time and money.9.    Internet of Things / ServicesThe Internet of Things (IoT), much like smartwatches and wearables, is becoming an increasingly integral part of everyday work life. Automated communication between devices and departments can improve numerous processes in logistics and production. But the IoT will also generate significant added value in traditional office settings. For example, by integrating traditional workplace management with home automation systems; this allows for the optimization of meeting preparation and execution, including the automation of the phone system, lighting control, and the projector. In combination with voice control features, IoT will quickly evolve into a powerful business tool and simplify the use of IT within companies.10.  Windows 10 Universal AppsThe advantage of Windows 10 Universal Apps is that there is a single code base for all device types. This will soon lead to an exponential increase in the development and distribution of apps, both for personal and business use.