Bi-Annual Report Highlights Cloud Complexity, Browser Capabilities and Trust Verification As Emerging Trends
The internet of things (IoT) ecosystem, from on-device operating systems to connectivity standards, cloud-based device management and data processing, is evolving at a steady and strong pace. While much has been made of challenges such as security and compatibility, the growing maturity of the IoT ecosystem bodes well for its development. This trend has been highlighted in the 18th edition of Technology Radar, from global software consultancy, Thoughtworks. The bi-annual report sets out the current changes in software development — things in motion to pay attention to based upon Thoughtworks’ client engagements.
“The types and number of connected devices is growing rapidly; navigating the complex world of networked and connected things requires technology leaders to evolve how they think about the architecture of their systems and their approach to providing solutions for their organizations,” said Dr. Rebecca Parsons, Chief Technology Officer of Thoughtworks. “If you want to unlock and exploit the value of IoT in your organization, you need to think creatively about potential solutions, and use mature engineering practices to achieve software excellence.”
“When it comes to IoT, it’s a mistake to focus solely on the devices. The real key is creating an ecosystem where devices can collaborate and where cloud services can capture and analyze data coming from those devices in real time. Insights from IoT can drive highly differentiated user experiences in a competitive market,” said Mike Mason, Global Head of Technology, Thoughtworks.
The notable themes in this edition of Technology Radar include:
Browser bulks up, server slims down
- The need for better user experiences continues to push functionality into the browser, and many back-end services become thinner and less complex as a result.
Creeping cloud complexity
- While organizations continue to mature in their use of cloud technologies, an inevitable creeping complexity always accompanies building real solutions with these new pieces.
Trust teams but verify
- We see a shift in the traditional "lock everything down globally" approach to a more nuanced, localized approach. We welcome this shift, especially when tools and automation can ensure equal or better compliance.
Things evolve
- The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem continues to evolve at a steady and strong pace and includes critical success factors such as security and maturing engineering practices.
If your organization is interested in mapping your technology portfolio and objectively assessing what’s working and isn’t, we encourage you to use this open-source visualization tool and build your own Technology Radar in order to:
- Objectively assess what's working and what isn't
- Pollinate innovation across teams and experiment accordingly
- Balance the risk in technology portfolios
- Determine the type of technology organization you want to be
- Break down silos and improve communication
Visit Thoughtworks.com/radar to access the interactive version of the report or to download the PDF version.