Trending Articles
Trending Topics
Trending
Welcome to the second in our series of interviews with IT leaders, Future of IT. Here we chat to Lukáš Rychtecký, a Solutions Architect in the Czech development company Applifting. He has been in the IT game since 2010, kicking off his journey at the Czech Technical University where he studied Software Engineering. It was there he discovered his passion for coding and explored a bunch of programming languages.
He started his career as a programmer, building a solid foundation and honing his analytical skills. Over time, Lukáš transitioned into team leadership, where he not only managed projects but also had the chance to mentor fellow developers.
These days, Lukáš is blending his technical expertise with strategic thinking. His role involves creating innovative solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also help his clients achieve their business goals. He says “it’s all about hitting that sweet spot where tech and business intersect”.
Find out his thoughts in the full interview below.
One of the biggest shifts will definitely come from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies won’t just be about automating tasks; they’re going to give businesses deeper insights from their data. Imagine using AI to predict customer behaviour or optimise supply chains. It’s a game-changer.
Cybersecurity will also be a key focus. With cyber threats on the rise, businesses will need to step up their security measures. This means moving toward strategies like zero-trust architectures that keep security at the forefront. As a result, skilled cybersecurity pros will be in high demand.
We can’t forget about the cloud. The trend toward hybrid cloud solutions will continue, allowing companies to mix public and private cloud services for greater flexibility (we can already see this trend). Infrastructure providers will need to become skilled in managing multiple cloud environments and ensuring they’re optimized for performance and security.
Finally, emerging technologies like quantum computing could revolutionise problem-solving in any field. However, we’ll probably need to wait more than ten years to see stable quantum computers.
The roles in IT are going to look quite different in the future. IT entry-level jobs are disappearing really quickly. Ten years ago you could start your career as an IT support solving client issues, but now these issues are filtered, prioritized and solved (or at least pre-solved) by AI. So you need to know more than just “how to use an Internet browser”.
This trend is also visible in more skilled positions, so IT pros are shifting from “technical guys” to strategic partners in their companies. This means they’ll need to understand not just tech but also the business side of things. Collaborating with other departments to ensure tech aligns with business goals will be essential.
With automation and AI handling many routine tasks, IT professionals will have more time to focus on creative problem-solving and strategic planning. They’ll be the ones analyzing data and developing strategies that leverage technology to boost business performance. Basically, it’s about getting more involved in the decision-making process rather than just managing servers.
Another major aspect of their evolution is the need for a solid grasp of ethical technology use. As data privacy concerns grow, IT professionals will play a vital role in ensuring compliance and promoting responsible tech practices in their organizations.
Also, with remote work here to stay, IT professionals are becoming more comfortable managing collaboration tools and cloud-related issues while keeping security tight. Companies will need to become more remote-work friendly than they are now to get the best talents and to stay competitive. On the other hand, on-site work is going to stay anyway, the way of work will just be more flexible.
In short, the future will demand that IT pros be adaptable, with a mix of tech skills, business insight and strong communication. They’ll transition from being behind-the-scenes techies to becoming key players in driving business success in a tech-driven world.
For decades, we have relied on rule-based engines to manage cybersecurity – systems that were manually configured by humans to follow predefined rules. While these engines have served their purpose, they have limitations, especially given the growing complexity and volume of cyber threats we face today.
With the introduction of AI, the approach to cybersecurity can become more dynamic. Unlike traditional rule-based systems, AI can learn and adapt. It can analyse vast datasets at lightning speed, identifying unusual patterns and flagging anomalies that may point to security breaches. AI will move cybersecurity from a reactive to a proactive stance.
However, a significant concern arises from the subjectivity of the rules we create. What one person might consider an ethical measure to secure the system, another may view as overly restrictive or intrusive. Teams will need to not only focus on code and algorithms but also engage in discussions around ethical considerations in AI usage.
Cybercriminals are beginning to leverage AI to execute sophisticated attacks, meaning organisations must continually adapt and update their defences.
Rapid advancements in AI and big data has only amplified ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning privacy, security, and individual rights.
One of the main issues is the subjective nature of ethics itself. What may be considered an ethical practice by one person could be seen as unethical by another, largely based on personal views and societal norms.
Developers need to be especially conscious of the biases that might be embedded within their systems. If the underlying data or the rules set are biased, the resulting AI may perpetuate discrimination and unfair outcomes.
Moreover, consumers increasingly demand ethical standards to be integrated into the design and functionality of digital products. Issues such as data privacy, informed consent and transparency regarding the use of personal data are no longer just nice-to-haves; they are essential expectations.
Additionally, as awareness grows around the environmental impact of technology, IT organisations will be under pressure to adopt sustainable practices. I’m particularly thinking of our use of data centres and cloud computing.
One of the most crucial skills will be the ability to take a holistic view of problems. IT professionals will increasingly need to see issues within a broader context, understanding how different aspects of technology, business strategy and user experience interplay. This means being able to ask the right questions and identify root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
That brings me to cross-domain knowledge. As technology becomes more interconnected, IT pros who possess insights from various fields – such as business management, data science, cybersecurity and UX design – will stand out.
In addition, soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability will be increasingly important. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is vital for ensuring alignment and buy-in for IT initiatives.
Instead of narrowly focusing on specific technical skills or tools, curriculums should encourage students to see problems in a wider context. This could involve interdisciplinary courses that combine elements of software engineering, business management and ethics, allowing students to appreciate how different domains intersect. Programs should also encourage students to engage with subjects beyond traditional courses, such as data analytics, cybersecurity and UX.
Plus, given the rapid pace of technological change, it’s essential that educational institutions focus on teaching foundational principles rather than specific tools that may become outdated quickly. For example, while learning a particular programming language is important, understanding software development methodologies, design patterns and frameworks will provide students with skills that remain relevant across different technologies.
Lastly, educational institutions should emphasise a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Encouraging students to stay curious and seek out new knowledge – even after graduation – will be vital if they’re to have a long and successful career.
