CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook 2021 with the theme “Rebuilding for the Future” provides 10 trends for technology in the year ahead. Here are four ways that technology professionals can benefit from the latest CompTIA research. Two sentiments are common at the end of a year. When you look back at all the accomplishments, there is a sense that the year is over. There’s also a sense of anticipation as you look ahead to the year ahead. These feelings are complicated by 2020. It has been a difficult year, with many unexpected challenges. Some of these challenges led to new opportunities and success–just not the ones that we expected. Next year will bring more uncertainty than ever before, but also more hope. The IT Industry Outlook 2021 by CompTIA, which has the theme “Rebuilding for the Future,” recognizes these circumstances. There is rebuilding due to the damage sustained in the past year. However, there is also a view towards the future as the lessons learned will lead us to something new. Although it’s difficult to say whether this is a good time for everyone, the tech industry is one the best places to be as digital transformation accelerates. Here are four ways that technology professionals can use the research to plan for the coming year.
Learn the core trends.
Trends at the end of the year are often flashy or futuristic. As the IT landscape has changed, there has been a lot of focus on emerging technology in the last few years. There are two reasons that the trends for this year are mainly returning to basics. CompTIA’s whitepaper, The Role of Emerging Technologies in Digital Transformation, explained how emerging technologies are increasingly dependent on a stable computing platform. It is important that clients have a solid platform. Many of the pieces that will be used in rebuilding efforts are continuations and extensions of trends that we have already seen. The 10 trends included in this report, which range from cloud-first architecture and shifting channel dynamics to future success, help to clarify the blueprint for future success. Watch Carolyn April and Seth Robinson of CompTIA research break down the 2021 Industry Outlook Report.
Factors that may affect the forecast should be taken into consideration.
According to IDC’s latest estimates most of the impact from COVID-19 will hit the industry in 2020, according to their latest estimates. Global revenue is expected to reach $4.8 trillion, a decrease of $5.2 trillion from the original estimate. IDC projects global revenue of $5.0 billion in 2021, an increase of 4.2%. If that happens, it would be a return to the kind of growth the industry experienced prior to 2020. But that’s a big possibility. CompTIA’s survey found that companies are most concerned about the lingering effects of the pandemic, particularly customers who continue to delay purchasing. However, there is a need to transform operations. Positive growth can be driven by additional business from existing customers, who add more pieces to any quick fixes starting in 2020.
Develop a range technical skills.
Although most IT professionals surveyed work in end-user IT departments, these approaches in 2021 can also be applied to technical staff at channel companies. The most important takeaway is that companies are enhancing their skills across all four pillars CompTIA’s IT Framework. There are cloud and networking skills required for infrastructure roles, user experience, quality assurance skills for software developers, compliance knowledge, risk analysis skills needed to handle cybersecurity roles, as well as database administration and data management skills that are needed for handling corporate data. Although there is still room for generalists within an IT environment, the complexity of IT solutions is driving more specialization. In-house training is crucial for keeping the workforce current if hiring is not an option.
Invest as much as you can to stay ahead of the curve.
Despite all the uncertainty, technology companies are optimistic about the future. More than half of companies surveyed believe their performance will be at least on par with 2020. 37% expect to see a return to growth. Having to tread water during economic downturns is not the best strategy. Strategic investments can help ensure that a company is ready for when the turnaround starts. Channel firms should not only invest in technical skills but also focus on sales and marketing. When examining their current budget allocations, 35% feel there isn’t enough money for sales and 43% feel the marketing budget is too small. These activities have not been the strongest of the channel and it is time to increase them.