Top 5 Software Development Trends of 2021

2021: The Focus

A lot of things have changed since the previous year and the software trends are not an exception. One thing that remains constant for now is the Covid-19 pandemics that occupied the whole world at the end of 2019, in 2020, and heads for the new 2021. Due to the situation with pandemics, the software development industry experiences not only growth in top-notch technologies (97% of enterprises say there are only benefits), but also an adaptation to the global quarantine and its aftermath. Hence, let’s try to figure out what the latest trends in the software industry will be present in 2021.

… The future is still so much bigger than the past. – Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of WWW

Trends To Keep An Eye On

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is one of the top software development technologies that assist robots (machines) in processing an abundance of data, extracting data patterns, and doing everything a lot smarter and faster than any human would do grounding on knowledge and experience. AI technologies cover facial recognition, voice recognition, behavior algorithms, self-driving cars, search engine suggestions, maps, chatbots, Alexa (Amazon), SIRI (Apple), and various gaming platforms. Artificial Intelligence has been popular since its introduction. However, only about 10 years ago, AI experienced a breakthrough and became one of the current trending technologies in software with no barriers on its way! Here, AI-supported apps are developed for business, professional or personal purposes and the key factor is that AI is limitless in its potential as it is more effective, has fewer errors, works non-stop, and proves to be efficient in risky situations. Projections made for AI by Statista claim that artificial intelligence is going to grow further and receive $126 billion by 2025. If you wonder where it is used today and what for, here’s a clue for you. Every industry is eager to implement AI, someone does it faster, the others need more time to get acquainted with the technology. But, sooner or later, industries will be AI-powered and reap the fruits. Today, AI assists everywhere: from analyzing big data to be the mastermind behind complex real-time chatbot conversations with humans. The future software development technologies of AI include:

• Intelligent process automation (IPA)
• Robotic process automation (RPA)
• Performance-boosting chips for apps
• Data growth and optimization
• Cybersecurity and data breach solutions
• Hybrid workforce (automated assistants, i.e. SIRI, Alexa, etc.)
• Business processes monitoring tools
• Automated machine learning (i.e. Google Cloud AutoML)
• Quantum computing (Qubits)
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Internet of Things (IoT)

So, there is a vast field for work. And it sounds incredible!

Internet of Things

IoT is an internet-connected network of globally-used digital devices that share, monitor, and transfer all the needed data to consumers (which they control most conveniently), and allow the process of ordering supplies to be automated to produce quick solutions. Thus, we can speak of an abundance of IoT connected devices existing globally nowadays, and this number, without a doubt, is going to grow immensely as far as an internet connection is a mundane thing for our devices. Internet of Things is also predicted to be one of the top trending software development technologies with $1.6 trillion earned by 2025 as suggested by Statista. Electronically-powered virtual assistants such as Alexa (Amazon) and Google Assistant are the interactive bridge between the IoT progressive tools and the tech-savvy end-users of these life-changing devices. Now, it is calculated that the average person has at least 4 connected devices. However, by 2030, each person will have at least 15 connected devices. So, a lot of work has to be done to make this prognosis happen. The industrial world has also shifted to an extended usage of IoT, giving vast connectivity, automating urban areas, and factories. To name a few, automotive, transportation, manufacturing, agricultural, and physical security industries change themselves and proudly look into the future with IoT technology. By so far, IoT technology is seen:

• in smart homes (connected lights, smart refrigerator, smart kettle, doors, windows, thermostat, etc.)
• in wearable technologies (smart glass, activity trackers)
• in traffic and waste management
• in city safety monitoring
• in water distribution (garden irrigation systems and others)

The only thing the IoT is not strong at is security. Hence, it should be and is its top concern. Hack attacks, data leakage, and info breaches sound pretty scary for IoT technology as it is not equipped with security features. Thus, this aspect of IoT has to be thoroughly investigated to develop the best possible security measures and protect IoT devices. If it’s done, and we know IoT works at its security means, IoT will have a special groundbreaking place in the future.

Progressive Web Applications

Progressive Web Applications are the web-delivered apps similar to the native ones as the experience received from using each of these is quite the same. For instance, PWAs can be installed like native apps on your smartphone and still be responsive, interactive, and enjoyable. And, a pleasant bonus – all of these functions can be experienced offline. PWAs are safe and secure (HTTPS protocols and TLS), respond to a full extent, work offline or on poor connectivity, and are as cool as a native app with its design, style, interactions, and navigations. Alibaba, Forbes, Starbucks, Twitter, Uber, Pinterest, Smashing Magazine, and others exploit PWAs and the outcomes are too good to be true. To be more specific, here are some of the best example of PWA usage:

• Pinterest (to promote user experience)
• Starbucks (to have quick and responsive performance)
• Twitter (more engaging access)
• Forbes (mobile experience rebranding)
• The Washington Post (fast loading of content)
• Trivago (faster loading and better customer engagement)

These companies report significant improvements in the time users to spend on their pages stimulating conversion and revenue increase and general skyrocketing of metrics. So, by all means, PWAs are the multi-platform development future

Outsourcing Software Development

With the Covid-19 situation and unstable predictions of the future virus spread, companies were forced to shorten their 2020 budget and tighten their belts in areas of software development. Being obliged to give most of the software developers and managers and other employees the opportunity to work-from-home has made the question of cost management a top priority for companies in 2021. Only with the help of concrete plans and cost control companies can ensure they will be prosperous in the following year and help themselves get rid of unwanted failures. Thus, businesses will try to reduce costs and outsource their ideas or projects overseas or hire offshore developers. This way it will be cheaper but still top-notch. By 2021 the worldwide outsourcing market is going to expand beyond recognition. For instance, it is projected by Statista that the real amount of revenue achieved will be around $415 billion. The biggest need for software outsourcing will create a demand for:

• skilled developers
• outsourcing relation changes
• numerous outsourcing vendors simultaneously
• higher spendings on outsourcing vendors
• cloud outsourcing
• advanced cybersecurity
• enhanced experience in AI and IoT

As technological progress is unstoppable and businesses want to stay top-ranked and competitive among others, modern software technologies and outsourcing are just the ways to meet this goal.

5G Connecting People

5G network is so popular due to the high-speed connectivity it provides, significantly lower latency, and greater bandwidth that is a little less featured in 4G. By far, we have been introduced to 4G technology and were quite happy with the improved internet connection as well as possibilities of the internet being wireless and faster than ever even on the go. However, advancements came round the corner and 5G is on its way to make mobile networks superior. Streaming HD videos and downloading music or large movies while being anywhere in or out of the city wasn’t that possible and we didn’t even think it would ever be. And we have never been so wrong! With 5G these and other things will be available globally. Just wait a bit and see for yourself! Nowadays, 5G already rolls in the USA and South Korea, China, and the United Kingdom, and receives tons of positive feedback. Countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, Spain, Canada, Hong Kong, and UAE are coming closer to implementing 5G and desire to accelerate it further. According to Statista, by 2022, it is likely that we will have 645 million people using 5G worldwide. What’s more, by 2025 this number will exceed $410 million only in North America. Thus, these numbers will be outstandingly high on a global level. 5G is important for AR, IoT, and PWA apps based on movement like maps, navigation systems, etc. However, its significance lies not only in the abnormal speed, but in the changes, it will bring into our bright-bright future. Access to 5G will give so many opportunities to receive high-quality fast services, which will be safe and secure. For some of the countries like Africa, 5G will be like a huge leap forward as now Africa has only 3G limited coverage. It is, indeed, one of the software development technologies in demand that will surpass our imagination!

5G will have an impact similar to the introduction of electricity or the car, affecting entire economies and benefiting entire societies. – Steve Mollenkopf, Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated

Summary

To sum up, the article showed some of the software development technologies in demand that are going to strike in the future. All of the discussed technologies – AI, IoT, PWAs, Software Development Outsourcing, and 5G, will be of great success and impact our nearest future unquestionably. 2021 promises to be inspiring for new inventions and abundant technologies. Are you ready for 2021?