Many new terms have been introduced to the computer world in recent years. We shall explore some of these and try to understand just what the various technologies mean for the various industries and individuals that may use them.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is about using the collective properties of quantum states. You will hear terms such as entanglement and superposition mentioned. Entanglement is about generating pairs of qubits that are entangled. This simply means that the two members relating to the pair are existing in a single quantum state. When the state of the one qubit then changes the other will instantly change predictably.

The result that we get with quantum computing is that, when used correctly, they are extremely fast and can effectively perform calculations in a matter of just a few seconds compared to the decades or millennia one of today’s supercomputers would take.

Edge Computing

To bypass the latency experienced by cloud computing, edge computing has been designed. It helps by dealing with the problems and shortcomings of the cloud in terms of getting the data to the data centre for processing. It in effect exists “on the edge” and is close to where computing needs to take place. Application programs like Kubernetes (check Mirantis for more info) can be leveraged for a developing extremely reliable and highly scalable private cloud solution.

Edge computing has been used to process time-sensitive data in remote locations where there was little or no connectivity to a data centre. You can think of it as acting like a mini data centre. If you need further info on what is edge computing or how it works, you can read more from various online resources.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

This technology will automate the kinds of repetitive tasks that people used to do. Just like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning, it will automate jobs. It does this through the use of software that will automate the various business processes. These might include processing transactions, interpreting applications, and dealing with data in general.

RPA can be used, for instance, to reply to emails. Imagine not having to bother with your emails each morning and being able to get on with other work? There is no doubt that the jobs which exist in the future will be creative ones. Through robotic process automation adoption, anything repetitive is now only a step away from being fully automated and capable of being performed by a robot capable of a degree of human intelligence.

Blockchain

Ending with a perhaps a more familiar term, we have blockchain technology. We might associate this with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but it does have other uses too.

Blockchain can be defined as data that you will add to rather than change or take away. This is why it incorporates the word “chain” in its name. You are simply making a chain of data. The fact that the previous blocks remain unchanged makes it very secure. Another point about blockchains is that they are consensus-driven, which effectively means that no single entity can take control of the data.

Another advantage of blockchains apart from their enhanced security is that you do not need a trusty third party to validate or oversee transactions.

5G

In terms of mobile phone technology, we have in no time at all advanced from 3G to 4G to 5G mobile phones, where our area has the infrastructure to make it possible. With 5G technology, we can browse more quickly and efficiently the internet, increase the bandwiths in terms of streaming on platforms such as Spotify or YouTube, and use a whole manner of data-driven services.

5G, or the fifth-generation technology standard in terms of cellular broadband networks, is considered significantly faster than its 4G predecessor. It can deliver up to 20 Gbps (Gigabits-per-second). 5G also has a greater capacity than 4G. It has lower latency than 4G and is designed so that it supports a 100 times traffic capacity increase and network efficiency. Moreover, with mobile phone service providers offering 5G access at a pocket-friendly rate (you can check the price of 5G wireless plans on this webpage), the popularity of this technology is surely going to skyrocket soon. Though this technology might only yet be in its infancy, it is the future in terms of mobile phone use.

So, some fairly new technologies to think about in terms of computing. Each one is designed to make a process faster, deal with shortcomings, automate and so take over repetitive actions, or increase security. 5G is, of course, the latest phenomenon in mobile phone technology. There is no doubt that all these technologies are creating jobs in the computer industry and the future in terms of industry and business is looking bright in terms of development and what is now possible.