IT is a fast-moving sector, being driven forward by innovations from a number of areas. Developments in the cloud, mobility and data analytics are constantly changing IT – and businesses.

With 2015 just around the corner, companies will certainly want to start considering what new technologies and trends will be applicable in order to start preparing for them.

Here, we'll outline the top four Gartner IT trends for 2015 and how ITIL can be used to implement them effectively.

A mobile computing environment

There's no denying just how pervasive mobile technologies have been over recent years, with smartphones, tablets and other portable devices making it easier than ever for companies to expand into new sectors.

"Phones and wearable devices are now part of an expanded computing environment that includes such things as consumer electronics and connected screens in the workplace and public space," explained David Cearley, Gartner vice president and fellow.

Next year will bring even more capable mobile devices, along with new challenges for companies. One of these will be a shift in how businesses approach mobile. Mr Cearley explained that the overall environment will need to adapt to the requirements of mobile users.

"This will continue to raise significant management challenges for IT organisations as they lose control of user endpoint devices. It will also require increased attention to user experience design."

Smarter machines

They're not quite on the level of artificial intelligence, but a new generation of smart machines is on the horizon and will change how companies operate.

"Deep analytics applied to an understanding of context provide the preconditions for a world of smart machines," the Gartner report explained.

Gartner says that combined with advanced algorithms, these machines will be able to understand their environments and thus learn for themselves and act without human input. In turn, these machines can use available data to prototype equipment (such as vehicles and robots) and create useful personal assistants.

Expansion of client/cloud computing

The report explains that the ongoing convergence of cloud and mobile will further the development of "centrally coordinated applications" capable of being used on any device.

"Cloud is the new style of elastically scalable, self-service computing, and both internal applications and external applications will be built on this new style," Mr Cearley said.

He went on to explain that although current network and bandwidth costs may favour apps that effectively use intelligence and storage of client devices, management will continue to shift into the cloud.

Risk-based security

With security an ever-present consideration for businesses (increasingly so with the rise of new technologies), it's no surprise that Gartner points to further security measures in 2015.

In particular, risk-based security is set to take the spotlight. This means focusing on risk assessment and mitigation – necessities given the ever-changing threat landscape.

Rooting out problems before they evolve into larger issues is one of the best transitions for security.

Using a framework

Any new IT endeavour requires an appropriate focus on correct implementation, as deploying these powerful new trends incorrectly could mean businesses fail to extract the necessary value.

It's here where a framework like ITIL is necessary. This method has been specifically designed to help companies extract value from an IT undertaking. Essentially, it assists businesses in taking full advantage of a particular new technology or trend.

What's more, ITIL is easy to deploy in companies, regardless of whether there are 10 users or 10,000. Education is delivered through a series of courses and certifications designed to ensure staff understand exactly how to utilise the method.

The best way to get started with such courses is through a provider like ALC Training – one who can deliver courses wherever they're required.