Why Technology is the Future of the Engineering Industry

Why Technology is the Future of the Engineering Industry

A major concern of any student even before entering a particular field is job outlook and growth. This is particularly important to students entering the science and math fields of study. These are extensive and complicated post secondary studies, so students want to be assured of job security once they finish with a degree in the electronics, computer software, network or electrical engineering fields. One area of potential growth for these types of engineers is in data communications or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Outlook for Engineers in Data Communications

A favorable outlook is forecast for those majoring in electronics, computer software, electrical and network engineering fields. Many companies in data communications and VoIP technology will expand dramatically over the next 10 years. As specified by Jim Webster, the head of software technologies for Digium Inc in Huntsville, "The outlook for the data communications industry in the near future is revolutionary. VoIP is the telecommunications technology that will soon replace traditional business PBX telephone systems." Because of this upcoming replacement there will be a tremendous need for engineers specializing in different areas of technology.

This new communications method will bring innovative features and create a "sea of changes" in the way voice communications are organized, delivered and used by businesses and consumers around the world.

VoIP and the Need to Improve User Experience

Over the next few years, data communications companies will want to provide consistent service over the different platforms and devices, whether this is from the iPhone, Smartphone, tablet, web, or the standard telephone. They will require software and engineering skills that will help businesses respect privacy laws, but at the same time, track phone data, messages and emails in a highly efficient way for corporate managers.

Engineering Professionals will Code and Classify VoIP Data More Efficiently

VoIP will also require engineering professionals who can help devise better classification methods for large corporate needs. These classifications will need to track customer/business interaction across a range of different media platforms, both so the client can make appropriate operational decisions, and so the communications server can adapt innovative communications solutions for these needs.

Development of Better Communications Tools

Engineers will be required to develop and deploy easier to use communications tools for clients in the medical field, emergency response, hotel industry, sales industry or any other business area requiring the response to hundreds of calls from agents who need immediate responses to their efforts. This will include collecting data, filing forms, confirming decisions and acceptance of key processes using different media formats including: video, email, text messaging, voice and even social media communication.

Future Work in Unified Communications

This is another area where engineering skills are required. Unified Communications is relatively slow and needs to adapt to an expected 3 - click experience. The idea is that through new VoIP, session initiated protocol (SIP) companies using VoIP can use, support and even build applications that work more conveniently, allowing workers to access many VoIP resources in three clicks or less, regardless of the device they are using.

Proactive Communications

VoIP features and programming needs are set to expand with future data communication needs. Engineers are required to expand on electronic, electric and programming features in the data communications field, so businesses can proactively communicate with customers, even before a live agent comes on the line. The process works by allowing the automated communications system to guide and solicit required information from customers even before speaking to an agent in person.

Bottom Line

Because VoIP is overtaking the traditional telephone communications system, there are many innovative areas in which a new engineer can work and grow. The data communications field is made up of a variety of specialized areas of engineering, and this offers many future opportunities for engineering majors.


Guest post contributed by Neil Slye for the Engineering Institute of Technology. Neil is an avid researcher and blogger. He enjoys reporting on how technology is changing the engineering.