Businesses are forced to operate at a new pace as they contend with informed customers, smart competitors, and employees who choose to use their own technology for work. These trends change how firms use information technology: to be smarter, more secure, and above all nimble. This year's top technology trends take a customer-oriented, outside-in view of information technology changes using the themes of engaged, smart, nimble, and secure. Enterprise architects and technology strategists must understand these trends and how specific emerging technologies can be employed to position their firms ahead of the changes.