The year is coming to an end and regarding technology we have been in for quite the ride in 2023. From the rise of no- and low-code platforms, to cloud platforms and of course the rapid development of artificial intelligence – there was a lot going on. What IT trends will be emerging in 2024? Because even during periods of economic uncertainty, as we were facing this year and will probably continue to do so, technology is central to everything we do and therefore companies are still willing to invest in it. So, what are some IT trends and challenges we will face next year? Let’s have a look!
As AI and ML continue to evolve and improve, this is a topic that will still be very relevant in 2024. A study by Gartner predicts that by 2026, 70% of the design and development effort for new applications will be handled by generative artificial intelligence. The first wave of corporate projects with generative AI is already in the starting blocks. However, in order to derive real business benefits from AI, companies need to proceed professionally and be aware of the risks. Artificial intelligence can be a great help in software development in particular: Thanks to machine learning, AI can support the design, coding and testing of software, providing access to people without programming skills. The development of AI is also leading to advances in automation: whether sales, marketing or other departments, they are all looking for workflows with transformative capabilities.
The challenge of sustainability has also arrived in the technology sector. Both the upcoming ESG reporting obligation and corporate responsibility towards society are forcing companies to develop and implement IT sustainability strategies. The World Economic Forum sees the greatest global impact on climate change in the technology sector. Organisations are increasingly able to collect and analyse data to gain transparency on emissions. For example, many cloud providers have introduced tools in recent years that make it possible to track the carbon footprint of cloud infrastructure. Digital technologies have enormous potential to be part of the solution and increase the sustainability of companies. We can expect many exciting developments in this area.
Even though blockchain technology has been around for some time, similar to artificial intelligence, there are many more applications that companies are discovering and can benefit from. With its increasing use, the demand for qualified blockchain experts and developers is getting louder. One area where blockchain technology is already being used and will be explored further is cyber security: it can help prevent tampering and verify the authenticity of files. Governments could apply the same concept to elections. In addition, marketing and medicine are two areas where this technology could be used in the future.
Cloud computing will continue to be a driver of innovation and a gateway for technologies such as blockchain and quantum computing next year. According to Forbes, global spending on cloud infrastructure is set to exceed $1 trillion for the first time as organisations embrace the technology for more than just the time and cost-saving benefits of cloud migration. Organisations are using more and more bespoke platforms, including cloud computing such as Iaas, PaaS and SaaS. Some applications we expect to see in 2024 include hybrid and multi-cloud as well as real-time cloud infrastructures. With the increase in demand for cloud computing, security and resilience will also become increasingly important for cloud providers. In addition, cloud solutions will increasingly have automation features to increase simplicity and ease of use.
As mentioned in the previous trends, cybersecurity is a constant topic. With the introduction of new technologies, there are always new risks, with AI currently posing one of the biggest security threats to organisations. In 2024, hackers are expected to use AI in new ways to cause damage, so it is crucial to invest in security measures. However, this also presents an opportunity for organisations to strengthen their resilience by merging IT and security teams to be better equipped against new types of attacks. With the help of CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management), vulnerabilities can be monitored and managed in real time.
So far, so good - but how will these trends affect businesses? Firstly, overall investment in IT will increase, with Gartner forecasting an 8% rise in global spending. An important part of this will go towards improving security mechanisms. The increasing use of artificial intelligence will also force companies to optimise their data channels in order to use AI models securely. The key is to combine the various emerging trends to fit your workflows, as they are mutually reinforcing and not isolated events. Process optimisation and automation remains an important focus for companies, not least due to the tense economic situation and the shortage of skilled workers. The G2 2023 study on software buyer behaviour states that 82% of buyers prefer to buy and use a single platform to solve multiple challenges, which can also be integrated with the tools they already have. However, the upcoming technology trends will also have an impact on the workforce, as skilled labour is needed to successfully use the innovations. AI and big data will become important skills for employees and create new job profiles. But further training for existing staff can also be effective, as an investigation by NTT DATA showed.
0hands offers exactly that – tools that can be combined with your already existing system and increases your efficiency by automating workflows. Contact us and discover how to prepare your business for the IT trends 2024!
We provide you with independent advice and are happy to offer you our support.
Get Free consulting
