Unify, the Atos brand for communications software, forecasts that 2018 will see significant advances in the digital workplace driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and the internet of things (IoT). Key predictions include increased use of customer service bots, a new rating system for IoT device privacy, and the emergence of collaborative working scenarios among remote workers. Additionally, the document highlights that security and anti-hacking sentiment will intensify as the impact of white-collar crime gains greater scrutiny.

1. Unify, the Atos brand for communications software and services,
shared its predictions for how the digital workplace will evolve in
2018, led by advances in artificial intelligence, automation, bots
(both software and hardware) and the continued development of
the Internet of Things (IoT).
arrive to gauge productivity for remote
workers. Unify predicts the arrival of new
software-and-sensor-based applications that
can assess the efforts, productivity, and
compliance of those working remotely.
that assigns and distributes work, monitors,
evaluates, coaches and even follows up with
you interactively to ensure things are on
track.
WORK-AT-HOME ANALYTICS
YOUR NEXT MANAGER MAY
BE A (SOFTWARE) ROBOT
WHAT'S NEXT:
OUR PREDICTIONS
FOR 2018
as interactive capabilities improve with the
advent of smarter products and connected
devices (self-sensing, self-diagnosing, usage-
tracking, learning) within the Internet of
Things.
CUSTOMER SERVICE BOTS
GAIN TRACTION
as security, hacking, and privacy concerns
increase. We may even see a new rating
system so consumers can quickly and easily
understand the degree of invasiveness built
into IoT devices, in order to make more
informed buying decisions.
THE ONSET OF INTERNET OF
THINGS USER PARANOIA
as users become torn between which to use
and when, calling out for best practices,
protocols, and decision guidance as to when
to use web-based collaboration and when to
fall back to the tried-and-true email.
EMAIL VS. COLLABORATION
TOOLS SHOWDOWN

2. “Social, Mobile, and Cloud have been the driving
trends for the digital workplace over the last
several years, promoting greater collaboration and
more flexible ways of working,” said Paul
Cunningham, CMO of Unify. “As we move into
2018, we believe that the areas of artificial
intelligence and bots, which have begun to pick up
steam in the consumer space, will increasingly
impact businesses as well. Additionally, increased
automation and the continued momentum of IoT
will offer businesses new and innovative ways to
drive productivity, increase customer satisfaction
and improve security.”
This will be the year when finally we can talk to,
dictate to, instruct and control our technology
using natural language (that actually works
consistently) with automated sensors for imaging
and scanning for security and authentication.
and create socials to overcome the perceived
isolation of working from home or away from
the traditional office. Unify anticipates that
groups of people within urban areas will
organize via social networks and convene in
person at social-working locations or other such
venues.
DISPARATE REMOTE WORKERS
WILL UNITE
and expand to include virtual working scenarios.
For example, using social networks to distribute
shared work spaces either within domiciles or in
‘hot desking’ office environments. Or perhaps
brokering work packages or task sharing among
the growing population of skilled independent
freelancers.
SHARING ECONOMY WILL
CONTINUE TO THRIVE
VOICE AND SENSOR INTERFACES
PROLIFERATE
as the negative impact of white collar crime will
be taken more seriously and will attract grave
legal consequences in terms of prison time and
compensatory damages. The ‘hacker’ lifestyle
becomes highly socially unacceptable.
ANTI-HACKING SENTIMENT AND
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES ARE
RAMPED UP

3. About Unify
Unify is the Atos brand for communication and collaboration solutions. At
the core of the Atos Digital Workplace portfolio, Unify technology
enables organizations of all sizes to transform the way they collaborate,
creating a more connected and productive workforce which can
dramatically improve team performance, individual engagement and
business efficiency.
Unify products represent a strong heritage of technology innovation,
reliability and flexibility. Their award-winning intuitive user experience
can be delivered through almost any device and in any combination of
cloud or on-premise deployment. Augmented by Atos’ secure digital
platforms, vertical solutions and transformation services, they set the
global standard for a rich and reliable collaboration experience that
empowers teams to deliver extraordinary results.
Copyright © Unify Software and Solutions GmbH & Co. KG, 2018
Mies-van-der-Rohe-Strasse 6, 80807 Munich, Germany
All rights reserved.
The information provided in this document contains merely general descriptions or
characteristics of performance which in case of actual use do not always apply as described
or which may change as a result of further development of the products. An obligation to
provide the respective characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of
contract. Availability and technical specifications are subject to change without notice.
Unify, OpenScape, OpenStage and HiPath are registered trademarks of Unify Software and
Solutions GmbH & Co. KG. All other company, brand, product and service names are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
unify.com