OVERVIEW OF

SOFTWARE &
HARDWARE
TECHNOLOGIES
Contents 1
Overview of Hardware Components
in Application Development

Current Trends & Innovations in

2 Technology

3 Integration of Software & Hardware

for Application Development

SDG 9 and SDG 12: Role of

4 Technology in Sustainability
Learning Outcomes:
Identify key trends in web, mobile,
1 and emerging technologies

Describe the relationship between

2 software and hardware in
application development

3 Relate technologies to SDG 9 and

SDG 12
Overview of Hardware Components
in Application Development
• hardware components are essential for the functionality and
execution of software applications
• the relationship between hardware and software
fundamental in designing and developing applications that
perform efficiently and meet user expectations
• understanding hardware components helps developers
make informed decisions about which hardware resources to
use, depending on the type of application being developed
(e.g. mobile app, desktop software, IoT systems)
 Key Hardware Components in Application Development
CPU Memory (RAM)
• software applications rely on the CPU • applications needing to process large
for processing & executing amount of data or perform complex
commands calculations, more RAM helps in
• multi-core processors and quantum faster execution
computing are shaping the future of • the growth of virtual memory &
computing performance, particularly persistent storage technologies is
in fields like AI, where parallel reducing reliance on traditional RAM
processing is essential especially cloud-based applications
Storage Devices (HDD, SSD)
GPU
• many modern applications, such as • storage devices determine how
video games, video editing software & quickly data can be read and written
AI systems require GPU by applications
• AI and machine learning applications • SSD provide faster data access
heavily depend on GPUs to speed up compared to HDDs
training models and perform real- • the shift towards cloud storage and
time analysis decentralized storage solutions is
changing how data is stored and
accessed (more scalable & accessible)
 Key Hardware Components in Application Development
INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES Power Supply Units (PSU)

• designing applications for specific • power consumption is a key

input and output devices requires consideration in mobile and
understanding the hardware embedded system development,
capabilities & limitations where efficient power usage extends
• voice recognition, AR interfaces, and battery life and optimizes device
other innovative input methods are performance
shaping new applications in fields like • development of low-power
healthcare, gaming, and accessibility components & energy-efficient
systems is driving sustainable design
in mobile devices & IoT applications
Networking Hardware
Embedded systems
• Applications relying on real-time data transfer,
such as online games or cloud-based systems,
networking hardware is crucial for ensuring low • application developers working with
latency, security, and reliable communication embedded systems need to understand
• the rise of 5G technology is enhancing network hardware limitations to optimize software
speeds and enabling more sophisticated • with IoT growth, embedded systems are
applications in fields like IoT, smart cities, and becoming more complex & interconnected,
autonomous vehicles requiring developers to focus on integration,
security, and scalability
Integrating Hardware & Software
in Application Development
• Software Design
⚬ understanding the underlying hardware capabilities and
constraints helps developers create more efficient and optimized
applications
⚬ for example
￭ a mobile app must be designed with consideration for battery
life, CPU performance, and network connectivity
• Hardware-Software Synergy
⚬ the success of modern applications depends on the seamless
integration of hardware and software
⚬ In IoT systems, the software must effectively communicate with the
hardware to collect and process data
⚬ for AI applications, specialized hardware like GPUs accelerates
model training, which relies on robust software frameworks like
 Evolution & Impact of Emerging Technologies
• emerging technologies have evolved significantly, transforming industries and daily life
• early computing relied on massive machines like ENIAC, which were resource-intensive and limited in capability
• over time, advancements led to personal computers, mobile devices, and now wearable and embedded systems
• the rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced new paradigms that redefine how
we interact with technology

Industries Daily Life Global

Challenges

AI automates tasks in Smart home systems, Technologies address

manufacturing and voice assistants, and climate change (e.g.
healthcare, blockchain mobile applications renewable energy
revolutionizes finance improve convenience optimization through AI)
with secure and productivity and urbanization (eg.
transactions, and IoT IoT-enabled smart cities)
enhances logistics
through smart tracking
SoftWARE & hARDWARE
eCOSYSTEMS IN dEVELOPMENT
• Software and hardware ecosystems are interdependent,
forming the foundation for application development
• Hardware
⚬ refers to the physical components like sensors, processors,
and storage devices
⚬ modern hardware innovations, such as GPUs and
quantum processors, enable advanced software
functionalities like deep learning and real-time rendering
• Software
⚬ Includes operating systems, development frameworks,
APIs, and applications
⚬ software bridges human interaction with hardware,
allowing users to leverage its potential
SoftWARE & hARDWARE
eCOSYSTEMS IN dEVELOPMENT
• Integration in Development
• Examples
⚬ IoT devices like Raspberry Pi run software to process
sensor data and make automated decisions
⚬ Smartphones combine hardware (camera, accelerometer)
with software (Mobile apps, AI algorithms) for innovative
applications
• Challenges
⚬ Ensuring compatibility, scalability, and energy efficiency in
hardware-software interaction
 Technological Trends & Innovations (AI, IoT, Blockchain)
Artificial Internet of Things Blockchain
Intelligence (AI) (IoT)
• Applications:
• Applications: Virtual • Applications: Smart
Cryptocurrencies,
assistants (Siri, ChatGPT), homes (Alexa, Google
supply chain
predictive analytics, and Nest), industrial
transparency, and
autonomous vehicles automation, & healthcare
decentralized
• Impact: revolutionizes monitoring
applications (dApps)
industries by enabling • Impact: connects devices
• Impact: improves
automation, enhancing user for real-time data sharing
trust and security in
experiences, and solving and intelligent
transactions through
complex problems like automation, enabling
decentralization and
disease diagnosis and fraud efficiency and
immutability; growth
detection; growth in AI ethics convenience; edge
of green blockchain
& explainable AI computing expansion
Role of Technology in Achieving
SDG 9 (Innovation) and SDG 12
(Sustainability)
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure)
⚬ Goal: promote inclusive and sustainable
(industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure
⚬ Role of Technology
￭ IoT optimizes industrial processes for efficiency
and minimal waste
￭ AI drives innovation by enabling predictive
maintenance in manufacturing
￭ Blockchain enhances supply chain
transparency, fostering trust in industries
Role of Technology in Achieving
SDG 9 (Innovation) and SDG 12
(Sustainability)
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)
⚬ Goal: Ensure sustainable production and
consumption patterns
⚬ Role of Technology
￭ AI and IoT reduce energy consumption in smart
grids and homes
￭ Blockchain ensures ethical sourcing and
transparency in product life cycles
￭ Advanced analytics provide insights to
minimize resource wastage
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!