Digital Lifescapes

In the past decade, many organizations have pursued a singular vision of cloud-centric transformation; consolidating data, applications, and compute into centralized datacenters managed by hyperscalers. Yet, the explosive growth of connected devices, the rise of Applied-AI and real-time data requirements, and new operational models are reshaping that paradigm. Edge computing — the practice of processing data closer to the source where it is generated — has moved from niche experiment to strategic imperative. According to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), edge computing is now the new core in the distributed Global Networked Economy. Edge Computing Market Development IDC forecasts global spending on edge computing solutions will reach approximately $450 billion by 2029, that's up from $265 billion in 2025, driven by rapid advancements in edge-based AI workloads, distributed architectures, and enterprise transformation initiatives. Several key data poin...

Two years after ChatGPT captured the world's imagination, there's a dichotomy in the enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) market. On one side, technology vendors are making unprecedented investments in AI infrastructure and new feature capabilities. On the other, there's measured adoption from customers who carefully weigh the AI costs and proven use case benefits. Artificial Intelligence Market Development The scale of new investment is significant. Cloud vendors alone were expected to invest over $150 billion in capital expenditures in 2024, with AI infrastructure being the primary driver. This massive bet on AI's future is reflected in the rapid growth of AI server revenue. Looking at just two major players - Dell Technologies and HPE - their combined AI server revenue surged from $1.2 billion in Q4 2023 to $4.4 billion in Q3 2024, highlighting the dramatic expansion. Yet despite these investments, the revenue returns remain relatively modest. The latest TBR resea...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformational force, reshaping business processes and unlocking new possibilities for efficiency and innovation in corporate finance. The latest Gartner survey on AI usage in finance provides evidence of this emerging trend, offering valuable insights into the future growth trajectory of AI in finance. The Gartner survey reveals a significant milestone. As of 2024, 58 percent of finance functions actively use AI technology -- that's a substantial increase from previous years. Artificial Intelligence Market Development Perhaps even more telling is the projection that by 2026 more than 80 percent of finance functions are expected to be leveraging AI solutions. The survey sheds light on the use cases of AI in finance: AI is being deployed to enhance forecasting accuracy and provide deeper insights into financial trends. Automation of routine tasks and improved accuracy in financial reporting are key benefits observed. AI algorithms are ...

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...

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...

Digital transformation goals continue to influence large enterprise IT spending. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has now emerged as a transformative technology. Its ability to create entirely new business models or designs holds immense promise across industries. Still, a recent market study by ABI Research, presented at the 'Hannover Messe 2024' event, paints a somewhat cautious picture of GenAI adoption in the global manufacturing sector. ABI Research highlighted a strong presence of GenAI at the event, with industrial software vendors showcasing its application in the form of AI assistants and co-pilots. They forecast revenue from GenAI use cases in manufacturing will reach $10.5 billion by 2034. Manufacturing GenAI Market Development "The dominant use cases leverage core strengths of Large Language Models (LLMs) for Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, code generation, step-by-step work instructions, and data enrichment and consolidation," ...

The past decade has witnessed an explosion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) use cases. From facial recognition software to virtual assistants, AI is rapidly reshaping our digital world. However, most of this AI processing power has resided in the public cloud, requiring a broadband internet connection and raising concerns about personal data privacy. This deployment model is about to evolve. The future of AI is the ability to function directly on our devices, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research. On-Device AI Market Development The research predicts a significant growth in AI chipset shipments, reaching over 1.3 billion units by 2030.  This surge signifies a critical shift towards on-device AI, empowering smartphones, PCs, tablets, and other gadgets with the ability to process AI tasks locally. This transition is driven by two key factors. Firstly, smartphone and PC vendors are prioritizing the development of chipsets specifically designed for on-device AI,...

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries by enabling vast networks of devices to collect and share data. This data empowers businesses to optimize operations, gain deeper insights into customers, plus develop new products and services. However, a significant hurdle to IoT adoption lies in the limitations of terrestrial networks. Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity often falter in remote locations, hindering the potential of IoT in these areas. This is where satellite IoT steps in, offering a compelling solution for connecting devices in geographically isolated or underserved regions. Satellite IoT Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, the Satellite IoT market is expected to reach a value of $4 billion by 2030. This forecast growth surge is driven by: Reduced Launch Costs: The space industry is witnessing a dramatic decrease in launch costs due to advancements in reusable rockets and launcher technologies. This makes it more cost-e...

The rapid evolution of the enterprise software landscape is amazing. One of the most significant trends I've observed is the surging demand for Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) driven by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). According to the latest market study by Gartner, more than 30 percent of the increase in API demand will come from AI and LLM-powered tools by 2026. This illustrates the transformative impact these technologies are poised to have on leaders who innovate. The Gartner study paints a clear picture of the forces at play. Technology Service Providers (TSPs) are leading the charge in adopting Generative AI (GenAI), with 83 percent of the 459 TSPs surveyed reporting that they have already deployed or are piloting these capabilities within their organizations. GenAI API Market Development As TSPs help large enterprise customers integrate GenAI into their offerings, the demand for APIs to power these AI-enabled solutions wi...

The European Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) market will reach $47.6 billion in 2024 and record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.7 percent over the 2022-2027 forecast period. Europe represents around one-fifth of the global AI market according to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). While the share of GenAI reached only 9.6 percent of the total European AI market in 2023, it is increasing rapidly. Investment in GenAI will grow more than three times as fast as spending on the rest of the artificial intelligence market. As a result, GenAI will be more than a quarter of the European AI market in 2027. European AI Market Development Software will be the largest technology segment in 2024, with a market value higher than hardware and services combined. Furthermore, software is expected to have the fastest growth during 2022-2027, driven by demand for AI applications and platforms. The share of hardware technologies will...

The evolution of business payments has lagged when compared to the pace of new adoption methods in other segments, marked by a gradual transformation to electronic payments, such as bank wire transfers like ACH and EFT payments. Advancements in globalization and eCommerce, accompanied by the legislation to regulate transactions and protect transacting parties, and the improvement of domestic and cross-border payment rails, have contributed to the uptake of new methods. Business Payment Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study from Juniper Research, the value of business-to-business (B2B) payments will grow by 40 percent in 2028 -- that's up from $89 trillion in 2024, due to digital payment adoption in developing markets. Instant payments will revolutionize B2B payments by enabling cheaper and more secure international trade, with instant payments reaching 42 percent of all cross-border payments by 2028, at $16 trillion -- up from just 17 percent in 2024, at...

Across the globe, senior executive interest and demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the healthcare sector are surging, driven by a potent combination of common factors. Rising costs, aging populations, and the need for data-driven insights push healthcare leaders to embrace AI's potential for optimizing operations, improving diagnoses, and personalizing care. Moreover, AI promises to alleviate physician and nurse burnout, unlocking efficiencies, and making it a strategic imperative for leaders seeking sustainable growth and improved patient outcomes. GenAI Apps in Healthcare Market Development IDC predicts that by 2025, Generative AI (GenAI) will free up to 10 percent of medical clinicians' time, translating into an estimated $100 billion in annual healthcare savings in the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan (APEJ) to realize workflow automation and efficiency. This is just one of IDC’s predictions unveiled in their latest worldwide market study. As the li...

Are you taking baby steps toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption? If so, you're not alone with the enterprise business leaders stuck on the sidelines, while the early adopters gain more momentum. As employees across the globe experiment with Generative AI (GenAI), the most cautious corporate general counsels are issuing guidance that will be valuable to those unsure enterprise leaders. "To craft an effective policy, general counsel must consider risk tolerance, use cases and restrictions, decision rights, and disclosure obligations," said Laura Cohn, senior principal researcher at Gartner . Enterprise Generative AI Market Development Having GenAI guardrails and policies in place will better prepare most slow-moving enterprises for possible future legal requirements. Meanwhile, the market leaders are racing ahead of their peer group. Based on practices in AI policies instituted by companies and city governments, the cautious general counsel should direct organizatio...

Business technology investment continues to fuel new digital business growth. For example, the transformative role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) within IT operations (ITOps) across the Asia-Pacific region. Almost half (43 percent) of organizations surveyed are currently exploring potential GenAI use cases, with 55 percent of financial organizations and telecom firms investing in GenAI technology in 2023, according to the latest market study by IDC. With the digital-first mindset gaining momentum, leaders are seeking innovative solutions to enhance operations. GenAI stands out as a pivotal technology, offering the means to mitigate risks, boost efficiency, and improve overall productivity. Generative AI Market Development Generative AI is gaining popularity in Information Technology (IT) operations and IT service management, particularly in cost-sensitive Asia-Pacific environments. This technology offers automation of ITOps tasks, reducing operational costs and optimizi...

The growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) software could lead to many benefits. As more organizations adopt AI, they may become more efficient, productive, and able to offer improved products and services. The global job market could also expand, with demand growing for roles like AI engineers and technicians. Plus, AI apps could enable breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, transportation, and energy. The worldwide AI software market will grow from $64 billion in 2022 to nearly $251 billion in 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4 percent, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). AI Software Market Development The forecast for AI-centric software includes Artificial Intelligence Platforms, AI Applications, AI System Infrastructure Software (SIS), and AI Application Development and Deployment (AD&D) software (excluding AI platforms). However, it does not include Generative AI (GenAI) platforms and applications, which IDC recen...

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new frontier of innovation, with Generative AI (GenAI) at the forefront. At the brink of this revolution, it's crucial to understand the current GenAI adoption and its implications for commerce worldwide. A recent poll conducted by Gartner provides valuable insights into this emerging trend and the potential upside opportunities. Generative AI Market Development The poll, which included 1,419 executive leaders, indicates a significant shift in the corporate world's perception and adoption of GenAI. The data reveals that 45 percent of respondents are currently piloting GenAI, while another 10 percent have put it into production. This is a substantial increase from a similar poll conducted in March and April 2023, where only 15 percent were piloting and 4 percent were in production. GenAI is no longer a mere buzzword; it has become a strategic focus for organizations worldwide. As Frances Karamouzis, VP Analyst at Gartne...

Generative AI (GenAI) has captured the imagination of business leaders and IT decision-makers around the world, and many are seeking information and guidance as they begin their journey. Artificial Intelligence (AI) spending in Europe will reach $34.2 billion in 2023 -- that's 20.6 percent of the worldwide AI market, according to the latest global study by International Data Corporation (IDC). AI investment in Europe will post a 29.6 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2027, slightly higher than the worldwide CAGR of 26.9 percent for the same period, with spending expected to exceed $96.1 billion in 2027. Enterprise AI Market Development Enterprise AI solutions are becoming increasingly widespread, driven by operational efficiency and IT operational optimization needs, as well as to provide improved customer experiences. IDC identified augmented threat intelligence and prevention systems, together with augmented fraud analysis and investigation, as prevalen...

Robotics have become the cornerstone of modern manufacturing, revolutionizing many industries across the globe. The applications span from automating repetitive tasks to enhancing precision and efficiency in complex operations. With the relentless pursuit of operational excellence, and the increasing need for production agility and cost-effectiveness, the demand for industrial robots continues to surge. Based on current estimates, there are already well over three million industrial robots installed worldwide, and the pace of installation is increasing rapidly. Industrial Robotics Market Development Moreover, robotics use cases are proliferating from shelf stacking, to cleaning, and various forms of manufacturing. Robots are important to economic growth, as nations struggle with labor shortages and aging populations. Against this growing applications backdrop, the robotics market is forecast to reach $218 billion by 2030, according to the latest worldwide study by GlobalData. Numerous ...

The modern wearables market began in the 1960s with the development of calculator watches and other electronic devices that could be worn on the body. The market has grown, driven by the increasing popularity of fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other devices that can track our health and fitness, provide notifications, and control our smart home devices. Wearable device demand growth declined to 14.6 percent in 2022 from 27.7 percent year-over-year in 2021 due to the economic slowdown and reduced spending after the peak of the COVID pandemic. Wearables Market Development This trend persisted in the first half of 2023, as longer replacement cycles and a lack of compelling features suppressed demand. The overall wearables market will rebound, reaching 689.33 million shipments by the end of 2028, with a CAGR of 11.3 percent between 2023 and 2028, according to the latest study by ABI Research. In 2023, the wearable market is projected to grow by approximately 10.2 percent, with shipment...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool to drive digital business growth, make better decisions, and personalize offerings to customers. As a result, forward-thinking CEOs are now actively pursuing AI investments to gain a competitive advantage. Generative AI apps originated with tools such as ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, Generative AI is forecast to add more than $450 billion to the enterprise market across twelve different vertical industries over the next seven years. Gen AI already has hundreds of compelling use cases across these enterprise verticals. But accuracy, performance, and enterprise readiness will mean that use cases will come in three distinct waves. Generative Artificial Intelligence Market Development "Content-heavy verticals like marketing and education are already seeing disruption across a range of job roles in the first wave of adoption," said Reece Hayden, senior analyst at ABI Res...