Looking Forward: Some Predictions for 2022

As we approach the end of 2021, it's time to reflect on the past year and make predictions about what lies ahead in 2022. One major trend that will continue to grow is the adoption of 5G networks, which offer vastly more wireless bandwidth and lower network latency. This technology will improve the performance of websites, business applications, video streaming, online games, and emerging technologies like AR/VR. The shift towards remote work will also drive increased adoption of 5G mobile and fixed wireless broadband. Another significant trend is the "great reshuffle" in the tech industry, as workers seek new opportunities and companies compete to attract the best talent. Employers must make working remotely easy and secure to stay competitive in this job market. Technology and tools will increasingly tip the balance in the talent war, with companies looking for every technological advantage to attract the talent they need. Companies will also continue to adopt cloud services as a way to simplify their business processes and automate tasks. IT leaders will expect cloud services to simplify instead of adding more complexity, and will demand more value from their cloud partners to keep costs under control. Security is another area that will see increased focus in 2022, with companies embracing zero trust security models to protect against the growing threat landscape. The security-as-a-service model will tend to win for the same reasons as cloud adoption – simplicity and minimal headcount requirements. The corporate network (WAN) is becoming increasingly obsolete, as work-from-home arrangements make it an anachronism. Video conferencing and SaaS apps now run better at home than at the office for many of us, and the broader rollout of 5G will make things even better for mobile users. Finally, data privacy for businesses is critical to get right due to the scope of the privacy issues at hand. Companies must architect applications with privacy laws in mind from the outset, and consider how they can navigate the patchwork of global regulations around data privacy. Browser isolation and the evolution of zero trust security controls will help companies achieve end-user device independence while maintaining privacy and security standards.