Digital Lifescapes

As we move deeper into 2025, the global technology sector is at a crossroads of innovation acceleration and market recalibration. The latest Gartner forecast projects worldwide IT spending to reach $5.43 trillion this year, marking a 7.9 percent increase over 2024. Despite the global economic uncertainty and lingering market caution, organizations are forging ahead with Cloud Computing adoption, and especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven transformation. Let's explore where new investment is flowing, what’s guiding decision-makers, and how key technology trends will define the global IT trajectory through the rest of the decade. Enterprise IT Market Development Data Center Systems experience 42.4 percent growth, a historic surge linked directly to global investments in AI-ready infrastructure. Software and IT Services remain pillars of growth, showing significant expansion as organizations persist in their digital transformation journey. Device spending, including PCs and mo...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become the defining force in business technology development, but integrating AI into applications remains a formidable challenge. According to a recent Gartner survey, 77 percent of engineering leaders identify AI integration in apps as a major hurdle for their organizations. As demand for AI-powered solutions accelerates across every industry, understanding the tools, the barriers, and the opportunities is essential for business and technology leaders seeking to evolve. The Gartner survey highlights a key trend: while AI’s potential is widely recognized, the path to useful integration is anything but straightforward. IT leaders cite complexities in embedding AI models into existing software, managing data pipelines, ensuring security, and maintaining compliance as persistent obstacles. These challenges are compounded by a shortage of skilled AI engineers and the rapid evolution of AI technologies, which can outpace organizational readiness and...

In a rapidly evolving wireless communications market, enterprises across industries are seeking secure and reliable connectivity solutions to power their increasingly sophisticated business operations. Private cellular networks have emerged as a compelling answer to these needs, offering dedicated wireless systems that utilize 4G LTE or 5G technology to provide enhanced network features. As an advisor who has worked with numerous organizations on their digital transformation journeys, I've observed how these networks can revolutionize enterprise capabilities, yet adoption has been slower than the potential. Private Cellular Market Development According to Juniper Research's latest market study, private cellular network revenue will reach $21.4 billion by 2030—a substantial increase from $5.5 billion in 2025. This represents a 114 percent growth rate over these five years. What makes this projection particularly noteworthy is the anticipated acceleration in deployment: nearly 3,...

The APAC region is undergoing a shift in business technology investment, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as the cornerstone of its digital transformation journey. IDC's latest forecast reveals that AI spending in the region will surge to $175 billion by 2028, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59.2 percent for Generative AI (GenAI). This significant growth underscores the potential across industries, from healthcare to financial services, as organizations race to harness intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and next-generation customer experiences. Artificial Intelligence Market Development Generative AI leads the charge, with its ability to automate complex tasks and generate novel outputs, reshaping operational paradigms. The technology's rapid enterprise adoption is evidenced by a projected tripling of GenAI investments between 2025 and 2028. Healthcare and education sectors are also accelerating deployments, using AI for personalized medi...

Has your IT plan prepared for the Generative AI  (GenAI) strategic transformation imperative? On the cusp of a transformative year in business technology, this question for CIOs is top-of-mind for a forward-looking C-suite with IT investment decisions. The latest Gartner study on worldwide IT spending trends provides guidance into the direction and scale of this strategic shift in the market's trajectory. Enterprise IT Market Development Gartner's latest forecast reveals a remarkable 9.8 percent increase in worldwide IT spending for 2025, projecting a total investment of $5.61 trillion. This substantial growth rate signifies a recovery and expansion in the tech sector, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and indicating a strong appetite for investment across industries. The projected increase is a testament to technology's critical role in modern business operations and strategies. Savvy executives recognize the imperative to invest in IT infrastructure, software, and cloud serv...

The rise of quantum computing has been heralded as a game-changing technological leap, promising to solve complex problems far beyond the reach of traditional powerful computers. However, it's becoming clear that the future of high-performance computing lies not in quantum alone, but in a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of quantum and classic systems. According to the latest market study by Juniper Research , there are challenges facing pure quantum computing and solutions developed to bridge the gap between its potential and realistic applications. Quantum Computing Market Development Juniper Research forecasts that quantum technology commercial revenue will grow from $2.7 billion in 2024 to $9.4 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory underscores the interest and investment in quantum technologies across various industries. The path to widespread adoption is not without obstacles. One of the most significant challenges is quantum decoherence, where systems lose their ...

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...

Across the globe, digital business transformation has a new catalyst for substantive advancements. Generative AI (GenAI) is about to transform many industries around the world. According to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), spending on GenAI in the Asia-Pacific region will reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 95.4 percent between 2022 and 2027. "China is projected to maintain its position as the dominant market for GenAI, while Japan and India are set to become the most rapidly expanding markets in the forthcoming years," said Deepika Giri, head of research, IDC APJ . Asia-Pacific  Generative AI Market Development The IDC market study clearly shows the burgeoning Generative AI landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. Here are some of the most significant insights. Surging GenAI Spending: The study predicts a growth trajectory for GenAI spending in the region. By 2027, expenditures are expected to reach $26 billion, reflecting the widespre...

The business technology community is at a critical juncture in 2024. Global market pressures are starting to ease, but persistent geopolitical threats are somewhat hindering progress. As a result, telecom network providers and their customers are under pressure to make strategic near-term decisions to drive positive impact and ROI within their organizations. "The rapid rise of private cellular, huge growth in 5G mMIMO radio deployments, and a big bet on network slicing are just some of the many changes on the horizon of which companies and organizations must be aware to make mid-course corrections or complete roadmaps," said Stuart Carlaw, chief research officer at ABI Research . Mobile Wireless Market Development The total addressable market for private networks, encompassing elements such as the Radio Access Network (RAN), Mobile-access Edge Computing (MEC), the core, and professional services, is poised to grow significantly. Anticipated to surge from $6.1 billion in 2023 ...

Banks that adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable better customer success and business experience are moving towards a Banking-as-a-Platform (BaaP) operating model to fuel new digital revenue growth. The main strategic goal of a Platform banking business model is to become involved in strategic Fintech partnerships which can improve their product offering for both retail and corporate clients. Each platform is largely self-contained in producing business and technology outcomes, and autonomous in prioritizing its work to meet growth goals and clearly defined areas of specialization. BaaP Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research , global revenue from BaaP services will increase to $49 billion globally in 2028 -- that's up from $4 billion in 2023. BaaP can help traditional banks regain their competitive edge against NeoBanks. Through collaboration with innovative vendors, traditional banks can offer new services from partners, includ...

Enterprise IT is no longer a cost center. It is a strategic enabler of business growth. More senior executives are realigning their IT budgets to focus on growth initiatives. By reinvesting IT budget savings, they can ensure that their organizations are well-positioned to succeed in the future. Growth remains the top strategic business priority for both CFOs and CEOs, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. Forty-five percent of CEOs surveyed ranked growth in their top 3 strategic priorities, down from 53 percent in 2022, while 62 percent of CFOs put it in their top 3 -- that's up from 59 percent in 2022. Enterprise Digital Technology Market Development   While CFOs and CEOs agree on growth as their top priority, their emphasis on this and other priorities differ, according to the Gartner survey of CEOs, CFOs, and other senior executive business leaders. For example, the CFOs’ second top priority is corporate action such as M&A and restructuring (41 percent),...

As senior executives review the performance of their Digital Transformation goals and objectives for 2023,  they're revising their digital business model strategic plans. Business technology investments are being re-balanced in some cases, due to recent market developments. For example, 79 percent of corporate strategists said technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation will now be critical to their success over the next two years, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. Strategists said that, on average, 50 percent of strategic planning and execution activities could be partially or fully automated -- currently only 15 percent are. Strategy Automation Market Development The Gartner survey was conducted from October 2022 through April 2023 among 200 corporate strategy leaders in North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Australia - New Zealand, across different industries, revenue and company sizes. "Leveraging an...

Historically, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) role was considered the leader of enterprise Digital Transformation initiatives. The belief was based on the notion that the primary skill set required was Technology expertise. However, IDC now predicts that the focus has shifted to Business expertise, talent development, and digital growth strategy. This revelation is just one of IDC's predictions for 2023, and beyond. Digital Transformation Market Development CIOs who demonstrate a mix of strategic purpose and people skills can now co-lead with their business counterparts -- to demonstrate and align new technologies for sustainable business outcomes. "In this new world, the role of the CIO has evolved to be one that is a digital business enabler using technology to compete," said Linus Lai, chief analyst at IDC A/NZ. IDC's top CIO Agenda predictions are as follows: Chief Business Technology Officer: By 2026, 60 percent of CIOs will find their roles being challenged...

Despite the current economic uncertainty, 72 percent of high technology industry leaders in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe have plans to grow revenue in 2023, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. Furthermore, nearly half of those tech industry leaders believe they will be able to outperform their competition this year, as the upside opportunities for cloud and SaaS vendors continue to grow. Business Technology Market Development Gartner conducted a survey in the second half of 2022 to understand how economic turbulence poses challenges to general managers, how confident they are in their ability to achieve their plans, and the measures planned to tackle the uncertainty. "Outperforming the market through an uncertain market requires an above average ability to execute on revenue ambitions," said Mark McDonald, vice president at Gartner . Moreover, the Gartner survey results indicate that almost half of the firms (46 percent) do not have a s...

Nearly half of Human Resource (HR) leaders polled cited technology as their top investment priority. Gartner's latest survey revealed the other top investment areas for HR leaders in 2023 are staffing and recruiting, employee total rewards, plus learning and development. HR leaders reported intense competition for skilled talent, and global candidate supply constraints. Instead of opting for simple cost-cutting measures, leading organizations are focusing on growth and determining which investments will drive competitive advantage in the year ahead. To optimize costs and drive growth, HR leaders will act on a few key investment imperatives. HR technology can trigger cost savings in HR administration, which has seen a drastic uptick in cost due to pandemic-related tasks, and Remote or Hybrid work arrangements. HR Technology Market Development Gartner's research shows yearly spending on HR administration increased from $155 per employee in 2021 to $194 per employee in 2022. Howev...

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role is essential to digital business growth. While CFOs do not get closely involved in the tactical details of the digital transformation of their functions, they still recognize its strategic importance. According to the latest survey by Gartner, CFOs are faced with the challenge of balancing the need for substantive digital business innovation with financial cost control and risk management. "CFOs will be stretched thinly across many activities in 2023. The survey revealed a wide range of actions CFOs plan to either lead or be significantly involved with," said Marko Horvat, vice president at Gartner. Survey Findings: The Top Ten Priorities Cost Optimization - Cost reduction remains the top priority for CFOs as they look for ways to cut costs and improve efficiency in their operations. This includes identifying cost-saving opportunities through automation, outsourcing, and business process improvement. Business Continuity - The global C...

Many CEOs have shared their concern that the digital transformation apps backlog within their organization is causing delays in planned growth initiatives. Therefore, they're investing in new approaches to the challenge. The worldwide market for low-code software development technologies is forecast to total $26.9 billion in 2023 -- that's an increase of 19.6 percent from 2022, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. "Business Technologist" roles and a growing number of hyper-automation initiatives will be the key drivers accelerating the adoption of low-code software technologies through 2026. Low-Code Software Market Development "Organizations are increasingly turning to low-code development technologies to fulfill growing demands for speed application delivery and highly customized automation workflows," said Varsha Mehta, senior research specialist at Gartner . Equipping both professional IT developers and non-IT practitioners -- e.g. ...

Many government CIOs often struggle with legacy system issues. Their quest for digital business transformation may be the most highly motivated, compared with their peer group in private business. Meanwhile, forward-thinking government leaders are planning to support the selective investment in business technology that enables more digital government services. It has become a strategic priority. Worldwide government information technology (IT) spending is forecast to total $588.9 billion in 2023 -- that's an increase of 6.8 percent from 2022, according to the latest global market study by Gartner. Government Technology Market Development "Government organizations are continuing to modernize legacy IT and invest in initiatives that improve access to digital services as constituents increasingly demand experiences that are equivalent to online customer interactions in the private sector," said Daniel Snyder, director analyst at Gartner . The total experience (TX) framework,...

Organizations are now in the digital business transformation era, where acting as a digital-first enterprise is a CEO mandate, and a strategic differentiator to ensure future prosperity and growth. Enterprise investment in business technology and related digital application growth initiatives has been remarkably robust, in spite of the currently projected outlook of global economic headwinds. Worldwide information technology (IT) and business services revenue will grow by 5.7 percent this year and is forecast at 5.2 percent for 2023, according to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). Business Technology Market Development IDC has maintained its outlook for the worldwide Services market against the backdrop of a potential global recession. Worldwide GDP growth worsened since earlier in the year and is now expected to grow by 2.7 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2023. IDC remains cautiously optimistic based on reported results from vendors in the ...

Across the globe, many forward-thinking CEOs and CFOs continue to fund business technology investments that enable meaningful and substantive digital transformations, ahead of their industry peer group. That's why CIOs and other IT leaders must now accelerate the quest for value creation and drive digital growth from those ongoing investments, according to the latest market study by Gartner. "The pressure on CIOs to deliver digital dividends is higher than ever," said Daniel Sanchez-Reina, VP Analyst at Gartner . "CEOs and boards anticipated that investments in digital assets, channels, and digital business capabilities would accelerate growth beyond what was previously possible." Digital Business Market Development   CIOs expect IT budgets to increase 5.1 percent on average in 2023 -- that's lower than the projected 6.5 percent global economy inflation rate. A Gartner survey analysis revealed several ways in which CIOs can deliver "digital dividends...