It’s no secret that digitization continues to be a hot topic in the tech industry. Digitization, also known as digital transformation, is the integration of digital technology and tools in the workplace, home and world.

For instance, schools were predominately unprepared to shift to a digital model, with only a few having a framework to conduct online classes. Digital teaching plans had to be designed from scratch, leaving some students without consistent access to the internet or computers. Public administration also found cracks in their digital infrastructure, as many civilians were suddenly furloughed or out of work, highlighting the shortcomings and limitations of unemployment systems.

The struggle to quickly adapt to the remote and digital work model highlights a strong need for digital infrastructure across all sectors. This is not limited to a public health crisis — digitization has implications beyond the pandemic affecting day-to-day life even after the world adapts to its “new normal.”

Challenges to digitization’s widespread adoption include increased energy requirements for advanced infrastructure and the creation of more confidential data that will require better security — topics the industry already struggles with. These are worth tackling, noting the benefits, like reduced emissions due to less travel, easier access for multi-site teams, secure payment solutions and enhanced user flexibility.