Top Trends in IT 2024
The year 2024 brings further dynamic development of information technologies. This affects the way we function in the digital environment. Below we present several key trends that shape the IT sector this year.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are the technologies that contribute most to the current technological breakthrough. They have an increasing share of, among others: in creating autonomous systems, such as autonomous vehicles, building management or delivery systems. Allow to prepare tailor-made products and services. Significantly increase the precision of forecasts and increase the effectiveness of decisions made. Moreover, AI and ML support developers in creating, testing and sharing new solutions.
These technologies are also developing in the field of image and speech recognition. This has applications in detecting patterns in large data sets, analyzing medical images, and interacting with devices via voice. AI and ML thus impact many industries and sectors, such as medicine, education and even national security.
Development of cloud computing
Cloud infrastructure currently plays an important role, including: in mass sharing of AI tools. Artificial intelligence models, such as large language models (LLM) that power Chat GPT, are trained on huge amounts of data and use significant computing power. Thanks to the availability of artificial intelligence services in the cloud, even small enterprises can use this technology[1].
Moreover, the cloud has been no longer limited to the role of a data warehouse. It is an innovative platform for various IaaS, PaaS and SaaS services, with the boundaries between them blurring. New cloud models are also characterized by increasing scalability, availability and flexibility.
Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud strategies are also gaining popularity. The number of large adopting organizations using cloud services from more than one provider is expected to continue to grow[2]. They enable a unique combination of various cloud environments and on-premises solutions. As a result, smooth data migration and integration is possible.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology is not only evolving in the cryptocurrency space, but is also used in a wide range of sectors such as finance, health and logistics. At the same time, more decentralized forms of financing are developing, such as DeFi (Decentralized Finance), offering alternative solutions to traditional banking institutions. Decentralized applications (dApps) bring a new quality to the world of digital services. We also cannot forget about safety issues. Any attempts to manipulate data are immediately detected. This ensures the immutability and integrity of the stored information.
5G and Internet of Things (IoT)
With the developing 5G network infrastructure, the Internet of Things is gaining new momentum. This connection enables faster data transfer, increasing device performance and interoperability. The variety of applications includes: smart cities (including road traffic and street lighting management), digital health, as well as developed systems for monitoring and managing activities. The Internet of Things is also becoming increasingly important in areas such as production, logistics and agriculture.
Ecology
Companies are increasingly paying attention to ecology in the IT area. Efforts are made to reduce the impact of digital technologies on the environment. This includes efficient energy management in data centers, promoting eco-design in equipment production, recycling equipment, and developing IT solutions that support sustainable development goals. Also important is the widespread use of remote work, which reduces environmental costs related to transport (both local and long-range).
Cybersecurity
The development of digital technology is also a significant threat. The number of hacker attacks and all other methods of gaining access to resources of organizations and individuals is growing rapidly. Data theft and breaches are becoming more serious as criminals develop new forms of attacks using, among other things, artificial intelligence. And this is where… artificial intelligence comes to the rescue. AI and ML help identify and respond to cyber threats. They analyze network traffic in real time, identify anomalies and detect attacks.
Solutions in the area of AI Trust, Risk and Security Management (AI TRiSM) enable fully supervised use of artificial intelligence to ensure credibility, reliability, transparency and data protection in new tools. Moreover, efforts to develop Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)[3] provide a practical and comprehensive approach to improving security in cyberspace. In addition to diagnosing problems, specific actions are also taken to solve them. Technology development is also driven by legislative changes. DORA is already at the gates.
To sum up, the dominance of artificial intelligence in many areas is clearly visible. We are dealing with a technological evolution, and the changes are so rapid and extensive that they require great flexibility and constant adaptation to market requirements. At the same time, never before in history have people had such easy access to knowledge and skills. This democratization allows organizations to increase productivity, reduce costs and seize new growth opportunities. Low-code or no-code platforms, supported by artificial intelligence, allow to deliver new products to customers faster and faster, without involving specialized internal IT teams or using external consultants. However, creativity and imagination are still at a premium, and in this respect AI is not yet our equal. Quantum computers may change this, but this is unlikely to happen within the next 12 months.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/09/the-10-biggest-cloud-computing-trends-in-2024-everyone-must-be-ready-for-now/?sh=3bb0a4b966d6
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/09/the-10-biggest-cloud-computing-trends-in-2024-everyone-must-be-ready-for-now/?sh=3ca3595566d6
[3] https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/insights/top-technology-trends