Colt forecasts top tech trends including AI & edge computing

Colt Technology Services has revealed the 10 key enterprise technology trends and forecasts for 2024 based on proprietary research and industry intelligence. The company predicts practical applications of AI, network greening and edge computing to be focal points in the technology sphere over the next 12 months.

Mirko Voltolini, VP Innovation at Colt Technology Services, anticipates AI to create deeper value across organisations, drive Edge, and transform business operations in 2024. He stated, "We expect to see digital sovereignty talked about more widely as organisations stay on top of local regulatory requirements and look for deeper levels of security to protect their data against risk. 2024 will bring us exciting new digital services, platforms and applications, supported by smart technologies and flexible digital infrastructure; and it will see us accelerate the march towards sustainable, responsible network infrastructure."

AI for value creation tops the list of trends with businesses looking to expand AI applications for wider value creation. Colt's research indicates that almost half (46%) plan to utilise AI for enhancing the customer experience and for staff training. Furthermore, 45% aim to implement AI for driving sales, risk management and for boosting their digital infrastructure.

Edge computing is expected to grow exponentially, accelerated by the adoption of AI and smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Extended Reality (XR). Meanwhile, Network as a Service is predicted to be essential for businesses in coping with shifting market dynamics. Colt's research reveals that one in five businesses already consider this essential, with almost 90% either already utilising or planning to use on-demand connectivity.

The company also sees a growth surge in SD WAN and SASE forecast for 2024 and beyond, with global SD WAN-connected sites expected to reach around 7.5 million by the end of 2028.

As companies strive for a closer integration of IT stack and Operational Technologies, the need for high-quality indoor network communications will drive the deployment of private wireless 5G networking solutions in enterprise facilities. Alongside this, increased security threats and stringent data regulatory requirements will necessitate sovereign infrastructure capability for both stationary and in-motion data.

Colt anticipates the tech enterprise will be called to account for its targets around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), in light of new regulations from the European Parliament to combat greenwashing. The company also expects to see increased merger and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the telecoms sector in 2024, driven by rapid AI growth, continued cloud migration and the evolution of digital transformation programmes.

Last but not least, Colt predicts a shift towards businesses looking to the CEO as a 'Chief Culture Officer'. As tech industry grapples with talent shortage, culture is set to become a critical success factor and differentiator in 2024.