Super Computers, 3D Printers, Medical Devices and Artificial Intelligence – all elements that were once popular science fiction themes but are now a part of our reality. The future is no longer a far-off imaginary place but is taking shape all around us today. The rate of technological advancement is quickening, offering real potential to improve the world around us and making this an incredible time to be alive.
According to the latest forecast by Gartner, Inc., worldwide IT spending is projected to total $3.7 trillion in 2018, an increase of 4.3 percent from 2017’s estimated spending of $3.5 trillion. This reflects global efforts by organizations to adapt and evolve in a fast-moving business environment that is continuously being shaped by digital transformation.
The next generation of digital business models and ecosystems will reflect exciting trends that will drive the way we operate in 2018 and beyond. Gartner, Inc. describes certain key areas that will guide this movement: Big Data, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Mesh.
Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2018 report states that Intelligent things such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent apps will increasingly support in creating smarter healthcare equipment, enhancing agritech, and changing our education systems. Digital solutions such as Digital Twins, which are a digital representation of a real-world entity or system, and Immersive Experiences such as Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) are changing the way that people interact with the digital world. Mesh networks, wireless networks made up of different nodes that are interconnected, such as Blockchain, establish a peer-to-peer network within one system therefore simplifying transactions, saving time and cutting cost.
Governments and businesses alike need to consider these implications. This is a reality that the State of Qatar has firmly grasped. Technology sits at the heart of the country’s efforts to drive the sustainable economic agenda set by the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. The Qatar Smart Program (TASMU) aims to achieve the vision of a digital economy and a smart future. The program is benefiting from a QR 6 billion government investment and will enable the development of all the necessary technological infrastructure needed to fulfill this vision. It is as a result of initiatives such as these that Qatar is ranked in the top position in the Arab region in the field of innovation, according to the latest Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
However, to truly leverage the power of leading technology, expertise, experience and insight are needed and will play an important role in unlocking the full benefits of these innovations. This is exactly how we, at Vodafone, support our customers each and every day, helping them stay ahead of key trends and developments. Our innovative solutions help businesses meet their strategic and commercial objectives and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world.
Our deep understanding of the local market needs combined with our international expertise, drive our commitment to helping organizations in the country to take advantage of leading-edge technologies. We are working with a host of entities in Qatar like Msheireb Properties, Meeza and Energy City to help them optimise, automate and innovate using IoT technologies.
Our innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solutions cover a wide range of sectors be it healthcare, education, transport, logistics, agriculture, or hospitality among others. These smart solutions provide real-time data, troubleshoot key issues and improve product quality, all the while saving cost. We’re introducing a wide range of services like the Fleet Management service, a telematics service designed to track and perform logistics management for companies aiming to enhance productivity and tackle road safety issues.
Our dedication to the people of Qatar and our belief in what the QNV 2030 is aiming to achieve, will always drive us to bring the best technology and innovative solutions to the country. We are thrilled to be part of this journey and contribute to writing Qatar’s modern history. An exciting future is taking shape all around us – and we’re ready to play our part in bringing it to life.
