What is DARQ technology and how will it impact our future?
DARQ is an acronym for a combination of technologies:
- Distributed ledger technology (DLT)
- Artificial Intelligence,
- Extended Reality, and
- Quantum Computing.
You may have some idea already that the above technologies are paving the way for change as they steadily allow for exceptional new capabilities for a range of industries and businesses.
DARQ technology in the current world
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a decentralised database to provide a safe and highly secure transfer of data. When people think of Distributed ledger technology (DLT), blockchain and cryptocurrency usually come to mind. Blockchain is just one type of DLT and is best known for the technology behind bitcoin. Although DLT is primarily associated with financial transactions, the implications of its uses for other industries such as manufacturing, and healthcare are becoming more known.
The technology that has made the most noticeable impact in the past few years is artificial intelligence (AI). There are countless AI and machine learning technologies in place today that play an important role in improving processes and affecting tactical decision-making. We see AI in our everyday lives, whether it’s the smart devices in your home, your online banking app, your online shopping experience, etc.
Extended reality (XR) includes all the immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). These technologies ‘extend the reality we experience by either blending the virtual and “real” worlds or by creating a fully immersive experience’ ¹. For the average consumer, these can be found in video games and apps that allow you to envision a different ‘reality’ via your device. XR enhances the human visual experience and engages people in a way that has not been possible before.
Lastly, quantum computing is the most experimental tech from DARQ. It is an area of computing that is based on the laws of quantum physics. Ultimately, quantum computers have been created to help solve extremely complex questions even supercomputers cannot provide the answers to. While we have made leaps and bounds in creating quantum computers, the progress is still in the development phase as the tech giants race towards creating better, more meaningful computers for the future.
DARQ technology in the future
The individual technologies of DARQ have made significant advancements and impact across the world. Big industry players such as Google and IBM have already created their own DARQ tech and Amazon, LinkedIn, Facebook, Netflix, etc., are already adopting one or more elements of DARQ for the ultimate customer experience. Eventually, this will lead to more and more companies utilizing DARQ to match or rival their competitors in the market.
DARQ is likely to have a game-changing effect. When similar technologies have come together in the past at such a rapid pace, they’ve been a catalyst for transformation across many industries, positively forcing evolution for countless businesses.
“Eighty-nine percent of businesses are currently experimenting with one or more DARQ technologies, expecting them to be key differentiators, and are substantially increasing their DARQ investments.” ²
For businesses to thrive, they must be adaptive to change and embrace new technology. The current tech trajectory means digitalization is no longer enough for companies to have the competitive advantage as most businesses have had no choice but to go digital to avoid staying behind. At least one or two elements of DARQ tech will likely be adopted across many workplaces and industries to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The key will be in how to best leverage the technology to not only increase their own internal performance but also in a way that offers an elite experience to their customers. The capacity to transform capabilities around maximum security, personalised experiences and advanced problem-solving lies within DARQ tech and it will be exciting to see how they all come to life in the near future.
² https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/technology/new-emerging-technologies-darq