Digital Lifescapes

The rapid evolution of digital payment technologies is reshaping global financial apps, with instant payment platforms emerging as a transformative force. These innovative payment systems are streamlining transactions and also driving financial inclusion or economic growth across diverse markets. The recent worldwide market study by ABI Research provides compelling evidence of the explosive growth in instant payment transactions. Instant Payments Market Development According to ABI findings, the top eight global instant payment platforms are projected to see their transaction volumes skyrocket from 213 billion in 2023 to 681.1 billion by 2028. This remarkable growth trajectory underscores the increasing adoption and importance of instant payment solutions in our increasingly online world. One key driver is the global rise in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments. "Account-to-account wallets, which have seen widespread use in P2P transfers, are experiencing increased usage given their use in

The global Information Security landscape is poised for significant growth, driven by escalating online cyber threats and the increasing complexity of digital business ecosystems.  According to the latest market study by Gartner, global spending on information security is expected to grow by 15.1 percent in 2025, reaching a total of $212 billion. This investment highlights the importance of cybersecurity and underscores the need for new measures to protect sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber threats. Information Security Market Development Several key trends illustrate the scale and scope of the spending: This growth reflects the increasing prioritization of cybersecurity across industries as organizations seek to safeguard their digital business assets and maintain trust with customers. Spending on Security Services is forecast to rise by 15.6 percent in 2025, reaching $86.07 billion globally. This growth is driven by the ongoing shortage of cybersecurity talent and the need

The eCommerce payments landscape is significantly transformed, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory frameworks. As global commerce increasingly shifts online, the methods and tech underlying eCommerce payments are evolving to meet growing demands for convenience, security, and efficiency. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, the global eCommerce transaction value is forecast to reach $11.4 trillion by 2029 -- that's up from $7 trillion in 2024.  This 63 percent increase over five years underscores eCommerce's rapid expansion and adoption in key markets across the globe. eCommerce Payments Market Development "Alternative payment options have grown substantially, with APM transaction volumes leapfrogging cards in emerging markets. As merchants look to attract new users and geographies, they must consider offering APMs a key strategy to accomplish this," said Lorien Carter, research an

The semiconductor and smartphone industry stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by the rapid integration of Generative AI (GenAI) technology into mobile devices. According to the latest global market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), GenAI smartphone shipments are forecast to grow by 363.6 percent in 2024 alone, reaching 234.2 million units. This surge represents 19 percent of the overall smartphone market. As we look toward the future, the adoption of GenAI is anticipated to redefine mobile device user interaction. GenAI Smartphone Market Development GenAI smartphones are defined by their ability to run on-device generative AI models efficiently, thanks to a system-on-a-chip (SoC) featuring a neural processing unit (NPU) with a performance capability of 30 tera operations per second (TOPS) or more, using the int-8 data type. This technological advancement promises to enhance the mobile user experience by enabling more personalized and proactive GenAI tool f

In an era where wireless connectivity is pervasive, Satellite Internet of Things (IoT) can change industries, offering leaders unprecedented opportunities to drive efficiency and innovation. As industries across the globe seek to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, satellite IoT emerges as a pivotal enabler. According to a worldwide study by ABI Research, the Satellite IoT market is forecast to reach $4 billion by 2030, with over 26 million connections anticipated. "Prominent satellite IoT providers such as Inmarsat, ORBCOMM, Globalstar, Myriota, and hiSky have been actively working together with their partners to expand their service offerings and enhance connectivity solutions," said Jake Saunders, vice president at ABI Research . Satellite IoT Market Development The satellite IoT market's expansion is largely fueled by its application across key verticals, including agriculture, energy and utilities, fisheries and aquaculture, and environmental monitorin

Is your workforce truly your greatest asset, or is it simply another cost center? The CEO’s role has traditionally been synonymous with strategy, innovation, and financial performance.  However, a seismic shift is underway -- the strategic imperative for Business Technology talent development. The C-suite is increasingly recognizing that the key to unlocking business value lies not just in technology or market share, but in the skilled people who power the organization. Gartner’s latest research study findings underscore this shift, placing workforce considerations as a top-three business priority for chief executives. Business Technologist Market Development This elevation of the workforce to strategic prominence is a direct consequence of several converging trends. The Great Resignation, coupled with an increasingly competitive global talent market, has made talent acquisition and retention a paramount challenge. Moreover, the rapid pace of information technology change demands a wor

The mobile money sector in emerging markets has grown over the past two decades. What started as a simple solution to provide basic financial services to the unbanked has evolved into an ecosystem that reshaped economies and increased financial inclusion. Mobile money services have filled a crucial gap in areas where traditional banking infrastructure is sparse or non-existent. In rural and low-income regions, mobile money has emerged as a lifeline, offering various financial services. Mobile Money Service Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, mobile money spending in emerging markets is projected to reach $2.37 trillion by 2029 -- that's up from $1.58 trillion in 2024 with a growth of 51 percent in just five years. We're seeing a move beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions to services like merchant payments, both in-store and via eCommerce, as well as international remittances. This shift is allowing financial service providers

The global cloud computing market is undergoing new significant growth, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the demand for flexible, scalable infrastructure. The recent market study by International Data Corporation (IDC) provides compelling evidence of this transformation, highlighting the accelerating growth in cloud infrastructure spending and the pivotal role of AI in shaping the industry's future trajectory. Shared Infrastructure Market Development The study reveals a 36.9 percent year-over-year worldwide increase in spending on compute and storage infrastructure products for cloud deployments in the first quarter of 2024, reaching $33 billion. This growth substantially outpaced non-cloud infrastructure spending, which saw a modest 5.7 percent increase to $13.9 billion during the same period. The surge in cloud infrastructure spending was partially fueled by an 11.4 percent growth in unit demand, influenced by higher average selling prices, primari

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly gaining ground as we transition towards net-zero emissions. However, this transition hinges on a crucial but often overlooked factor: the modernization and expansion of our aging power grids across the globe. For decades the backbone of our electricity delivery system has been largely static. The influx of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind presents a new challenge. Smart Power Grid Market Development Integrating these resources effectively requires a Smarter, more Responsive grid that can handle fluctuating power generation and efficiently distribute it across vast distances. This is where a new trillion-dollar energy market growth opportunity emerges. According to a recent worldwide market study by ABI Research, global investments in public grid digitalization and transmission network expansion must exceed $4 trillion by 2030 to meet our

As an independent management consultant specializing in the tech sector, I've witnessed numerous technological advancements reshape vertical industry workflow and horizontal job functions. However, few innovations have shown as much promise to revolutionize business operations as Generative AI (GenAI). A recent Gartner market study has shed light on the transformative potential of this technology, particularly in the realm of finance. The findings reveal a significant shift in how finance leaders perceive and plan to implement generative AI, signaling a new era of data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. The Gartner assessment provides compelling insights into the expectations and priorities of finance leaders regarding GenAI adoption. One of the most striking statistics is that 66 percent of finance leaders believe GenAI will have its most immediate impact on explaining forecast and budget variances. GenAI in Finance Market Development This high percentage undersc

As a seasoned industry consultant with roots dating back to the early days of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, I've witnessed firsthand the evolution of satellite technology and its transformative impact on global communications connectivity. Today, we stand on the cusp of another significant leap forward with the emergence of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites. A recent market study by Juniper Research sheds light on this emerging technology and its potential to revolutionize various industries. VLEO Satellite Market Development VLEO satellites, operating at altitudes between 150 and 450 kilometers above the Earth's surface, represent a new frontier in satellite technology. These satellites offer unique advantages over their higher-orbiting counterparts, including enhanced imaging resolution, lower latency, and improved operational efficiency. As the demand for high-resolution Earth observation and faster communication speeds continues to grow, VLEO satellites are

The global public cloud services market is continuing phenomenal growth, driven by digital transformation initiatives and a fundamental shift in how IT organizations function. This trend is fueled by several factors, including the increasing adoption of remote work models, the need for greater agility and scalability, and the ever-growing volume of data that organizations need to store and process. According to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), the public cloud services market will reach $800 billion in 2024, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5 percent. Public Cloud Services Market Development "Vendors are focused on being strategic partners to their customers by delivering highly performant, developer-friendly, trustworthy, and secure offerings that help users deliver intelligent applications more efficiently," said Adam Reeves, research director at IDC . This growth is being fueled by several key trends: IDC highlights

The market for industrial facilities networking is undergoing a significant transformation. Operational Technology (OT) networks, traditionally reliant on wired connections, increasingly embrace wireless solutions. This shift is driven by several factors, including the need for greater flexibility, improved efficiency, and the emergence of new applications fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT).  At the forefront of this transformation lies a utilization of the 6 GHz band in industrial Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), a communication innovation. Industrial WLAN Market Development According to the latest worldwide study by ABI Research, they forecast a surge in industrial WLAN access points supporting the 6 GHz spectrum, with shipments rising from 2 percent in 2023 to 71 percent by 2030. The growth of industrial WLANs can be attributed in large part to the limitations of traditional wired networks. Dense deployments of sensors, robots, and other connected devices create a constant

For the past decade, navigating uncertainty has been a defining characteristic of the Global Networked Economy. From economic downturns to tech-driven disruptions, leaders have had to adapt in the face of constant change. According to Gartner's latest worldwide market study, there's a significant shift in C-suite priorities. Survey results reveal a focus on digital business growth, with CEOs identifying it as the top priority. About 73 percent of CEOs ranked growth as their primary objective, a 17 percent increase compared to 2023. This sentiment is underscored by the finding that 60 percent of CEOs plan to increase hiring in 2024. Digital Business Market Development "Along with the increased focus on growth, the survey showed a relatively weak position for cost management, suggesting that most CEOs and senior business executives believe the most challenging economic times are past," said David Furlonger, VP Analyst at Gartner . Several key factors are contributing to

The world's electrical grids require significant modernization to handle the transition to renewable energy sources and enable more efficient energy distribution and consumption. Enter the smart grid that uses digital technologies to automatically monitor energy flows, integrate renewable sources, and self-heal from outages. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, the benefits of smart grid adoption include cost savings for utilities, a reduction in environmental impacts, improved grid reliability, and greater consumer control over energy usage. However, significant barriers are slowing widespread smart grid deployment globally. Smart Grid Market Development The financial incentive for utilities to invest in smart grid infrastructure is now overwhelmingly clear. Juniper forecasts that worldwide savings from smart grids in terms of reduced energy and emissions costs will grow from just $84 million in 2024 to $290 billion annually by 2029 -- that's a 2

As a C-suite leader, you're constantly bombarded with investment opportunities. In today's large enterprise arena, few initiatives hold the same potential as Digital Transformation (DX). Yet, securing ongoing buy-in from the board and other key stakeholders hinges on a clear understanding of market momentum and the return on investment that DX promises.  A recent IDC worldwide market study sheds valuable light on this critical topic. Let's delve into some key takeaways and explore what they mean for your organization's tech strategy. Digital Transformation Market Development The IDC study describes a market surging toward investment adoption maturity. Worldwide spending on DX technologies is forecast to reach $4 trillion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2 percent. This exponential growth signifies an opportunity for industry leaders to leverage digital business tools and strategies to gain a competitive edge, with Artificial Intelligence (A

As an independent management consultant, I've had a front-row seat observing how emerging technologies are transforming industries across the globe. One trend that can no longer be ignored is the rise of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). According to the latest ABI Research forecast, the global AR and VR markets are poised for explosive growth over the next six years, projected to increase 60 percent and 44 percent respectively from 2024 to 2030. AR and VR Apps Market Development The implications of this forecast are significant. We are on the cusp of a new era where immersive digital experiences will revolutionize how we work, learn, receive healthcare, manufacture products, and entertain ourselves online.  A potent fusion of AR/VR hardware and software innovations -- combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities -- is supercharging these emerging technology applications. "Together with continual improvements in hardware, allowing for more user-friend

The business technology landscape is undergoing a continued shift in IT infrastructure. The public cloud, once a fringe player, has become the undisputed engine driving IT innovation and digital business growth. As executives grapple with their digital transformation initiatives, scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency remain paramount. The public cloud delivers on all these fronts, and Gartner's recent forecast underscores this reality. Worldwide public cloud end-user spending is projected to reach $675 billion in 2024, a significant increase from  $561 billion in 2023. This growth is driven by Generative AI (GenAI) and software application modernization. Public Cloud Computing Market Development Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This foundational layer, comprising compute, storage, and networking resources, is anticipated to reach $180 billion in 2024. This underscores the continued demand for core cloud infrastructure as organizations migrate workloads and application

The time has come. The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly accelerating, propelled by government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.  As concerns over the environmental impact of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles mount, nations worldwide are implementing aggressive policies to spur the adoption of EVs and the deployment of vehicle battery charging infrastructure. According to the latest global market study by Juniper Research, this driving force of progressive government intervention is catalyzing EV transformation growth. Electric Vehicle Market Development Juniper analysts have reviewed the pivotal role government policies are playing in shaping the future of the EV market. They highlight the various incentives, subsidies, and mandates introduced by countries globally to encourage rapid EV adoption. One of the most striking findings from the Juniper Research study is the projected 194 percent growth in the total