What to Look Out for in the 2018 Tech World

"What's new?" In the 2018 information technology digital ecosystem, the only simple answer is "a lot." 2017 saw Apple and Samsung under fire and the FCC calling off a neutral net, which was disappointing to a lot of people in the industry. Fortunately, however, things are looking up with the New Year bringing in a sweep of new technologies that will change the game.

1. Heads in the Cloud. Cloud data storage will continue to grow in popularity for both consumers and organizations alike. Providers will compete to provide the most efficient solutions at a lower cost, ultimately making Cloud collaboration tools accessible to all.

2. Amped security measures. In a digital ecosystem in which a data breach can disarm an organization in a matter of seconds, security solutions call for more than an action plan. Detection & Response is a term that refers to a range of strategies focused on finding the clues to a possible hack and stopping it in its tracks. It's a bit of crisis management and a lot of hard work.

3. Here's to the women. 2017 was a mixed year for women in information technology: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, made the #4 spot on Forbes Most Powerful Women's List and her Lean In organization is going strong. However, Google employee James Damore's scandal reminded us that there is still work to be done.

4. Virtual Reality. One look around a tech convention and it's easy to see the future of gaming, entertainment, and communication - VR. Existing technologies will incorporate more Virtual Reality concepts to enhance user experience, further integrating technology into our perspection of the world.

5. Cryptocurrency. Everyone has heard of Bitcoin - the digital currency without a home country - but it is just the tip of the iceberg in a world of cryptocurrencies that will alter the world's conception of money and trade.