Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1277798
While only about 25 percent of computing-related jobs globally are held by women, now is the ideal time for us to break into or advance within the ICT industry. With the emergence of 5G, high-perfor- mance computing networks and integrated IP-based systems, technology advancements and deployments are happening across all markets, bringing huge benefits to the public and private sectors alike. Smart buildings and cities are on the rise to improve efficiency, public safety, and overall quality of life. Technologies like autonomous vehicles, smart traffic systems, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are quickly ramping up. And with 75 billion connected devices expected by 2025, data centers must keep up with the unprecedented amount of IoT information that will need to be transmitted, processed, and stored. While the economy may have you thinking that there are fewer opportunities right now, if there was any doubt about the necessity of digital platforms to the world economy, COVID-19 has squashed them. In a contact- less world, operating digitally is the only way to keep business going, students educated, and people thriving. That is why we are seeing huge increases in internet and VPN usage, virtual meetings, telemedicine, remote learning, online shopping and entertainment, and a host of other digital activities. The current situation has also shed light on the digital divide and the need for underserved communities to have access to high-speed internet, triggering broadband deployment and fiber connectivity in both outside plant and premises environments. More than Words from Women in BICSI "The ICT World is Our Oyster!" By Betsy Conroy, ICT Freelance Writer and Marketing Consultant ORGANIZATION Page 15