The beginning of a new year gives us the opportunity to review everything afresh. With that in mind, I’ve tried to make a list of the technologies that will be discussed and play a significant role this year. These are the top five technologies that kept coming up in conversations with professionals in the tech field and sparked the most discussions. I’ve tried to write about them in simple language. So as we start the new year, fasten your seatbelt and let’s take a drive into the world of technology.

1. Cloud Computing

The first technology that must be mentioned is Cloud Computing. Over the last decade, we have seen everything about computers gradually moving from the desktop to the cloud. The files we used to carry around on USB drives are now stored on cloud-based file servers like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive. It’s not just hosting on the cloud anymore—we’re talking about cloud computing, meaning the processing and calculations that once happened locally on computers are now being done in the cloud. From tools like Excel to full-fledged ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, everything has now moved to the cloud. Thanks to cloud computing, everything from basic calculations to complex analyses happens much faster. Starting in 2020, a new application of cloud technology will come to the forefront: Edge Computing. This means that not only will computing happen in central clouds, but also at the edge of the network. As a result, cloud-based solutions will become more efficient and faster than ever. From 2018 to 2019, cloud usage increased by 24%—a significant growth rate. Globally, spending on cloud now stands at around $210 billion. To put that in perspective, last year Bangladesh’s entire budget was $61 billion, meaning the world spends enough on the cloud every year to fund Bangladesh for three years. Incredible! It’s amazing to think how much we’re spending just on cloud technology. (Source)

2. Data, Data, and More Data

Next after the cloud is data, which we now call the “king” of everything. In the past, a country rich in gold was considered economically strong. Now, that status has shifted from gold to information. Today, the more data a nation or organization possesses, the more valuable they become. Companies like Facebook and Google are now the richest in the world because of their focus on data. In 2020, this data-driven economy will be further empowered by technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. While these tech terms may sound intimidating, simply put, computers can now learn on their own, identify patterns from data, analyze them, and make decisions all by themselves. Services like Uber and Foodpanda have already been leveraging this kind of data-driven technology for several years. In the coming year, more sectors will adopt and expand their data businesses.

3. Autonomous Vehicles

We may not see fully autonomous vehicles become mainstream in 2020, but we will gradually start to see them appear. Many companies have already launched these new autonomous cars in the commercial market. You can find a list of these cars at cars.com. This year, we will see the reach of autonomous vehicles expand further. Their development heavily depends on advanced computing technologies.

4. Cryptocurrency

The familiar banking sector is experiencing a revolution with the advent of this new technology. We call this new digital currency cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is a type of encrypted money powered by a technology called blockchain. In cryptocurrency, there is no control by third parties, so no one other than the sender and receiver can see who is exchanging this digital currency, and transactions can even be made anonymously. Unlike traditional currencies, no government can control the value of cryptocurrency. As a result, many countries have imposed restrictions on this digital currency. In reality, cryptocurrency only exists in the digital realm, and all transactions are conducted online. The process of cryptocurrency exchange uses a method called cryptography, where coded language or symbols are used so that, except for the two parties involved in the transaction, no one else can understand it—maintaining privacy and secrecy. This year, we will see the growing application of cryptocurrency.

5. Drone Delivery

Who didn’t pester their parents for a remote-controlled car as a child? Today, instead of cars, many of us might be using small helicopters or drones to take pictures. But drones are not limited to being just a hobby. They’re being used in a variety of ways—from rescuing people at sea or in rivers to fire fighting and much more. However, in 2020, their most significant application will be in the field of product delivery. With drone delivery, your courier service will reach your doorstep by air.

Today, I’ve introduced you to just five technologies. But this list is much longer. So keep reading tech magazines regularly. We at biggani.org have been bringing you science and scientist news in Bangla since our journey began in 2006. To stay updated, subscribe to our email newsletter.