Digital Lifescapes

Most CIOs recognize the essential role that emerging technology has in enabling digital business transformation. However, what they often don't know is how prepared their employees, IT systems, and internal processes are to embrace change. Gartner has highlighted the six key trends that will have a significant impact on enterprise IT infrastructure and operations (I&O) organizations over the next 12 to 18 months. "I&O leaders have little time, skills and budget to track emerging trends and the full impact of those on I&O," said Jeffrey Hewitt, vice president at Gartner . Savvy leaders should apply the top trends within I&O for 2024 to identify which are most likely to impact their organization, and then implement effective actions in response. According to Gartner's research, the top trends in 2024 are as follows: Machine Customers Machine customers are non-human economic actors that obtain goods or services in exchange for payment, such as virtual per...

5G is quickly becoming the predominant network for mobile communications. In 2023, there will be 1.6 billion 5G connections, with growth forecast to reach 6 billion in 2028. Mobile network roaming connections are anticipated to grow 350 percent over the next five years, with the growing presence of 5G and IoT roaming devices being major driving factors of this growth. To capitalize on this demand, data and financial clearing houses must identify the key drivers, as this will allow them to produce targeted services, optimized to help providers in monetizing these trends. 5G Mobile Roaming Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, the average revenue leakage per 5G roaming connection will decrease from $1.72 to $1.20, as mobile network operators leverage artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions.  Mobile service provider revenue leakage refers to the value of services provided but not monetized by the network operator. This reducti...

In 2024, every business can be a technology-driven business. The quest for business technology leadership skills, and digital transformation, will gain new momentum as more organizations seek ways to drive net-new digital growth. Large enterprises will invest more than $19.4 billion worldwide in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) solutions in 2023, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). This spending, which includes GenAI software as well as related infrastructure hardware and IT or business services, is expected to more than double in 2024 and reach $151.1 billion in 2027 -- that's with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 86.1 percent over the 2023-2027 forecast period. Artificial Intelligence Market Development Despite the recent IT headwinds in 2023, business leaders accelerated their exploration of GenAI solutions to help boost their digital business transformation. "In 2024, the shift to AI everywhere will enter a critic...

Growing awareness of sustainability and the threat of a global temperature increase is motivating strategic shifts in government and commercial organizations. Leaders are adopting carbon management tools to address the anticipated 18 percent GDP loss from climate change by 2050. These carbon management tools are used to calculate, manage, monitor, and report emissions, and help measure operational results throughout the global supply chain. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, the carbon management software solutions market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7 percent, reaching $5.5 billion by 2032. Carbon Management Apps Market Development Scope 3 emissions, which can be 5 to 25 times higher than Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, constitute up to 90 percent of the overall environmental impact, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Accurate measurement of Scope 3 emissions is crucial for government and business leaders to enhance resilience and eff...

The rapid adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) is the top-ranked issue during the next two years for Legal, Compliance, and Privacy leaders, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. In a recent survey of enterprise business leaders, 70 percent of respondents reported rapid GenAI adoption as a top concern for them. "Increases in capability and usability have prompted rapid and widespread company adoption of GenAI," said Stuart Strome, director at Gartner . However, uncertainties and unforeseen risks abound. Leaders will have to contend with these challenges to ensure the ethical and legal use of this powerful technology. Generative AI Market Development Gartner industry analysts have identified four key areas that these leaders need to address. Limited Visibility into Key Risks -- The ease of adoption, widespread applicability, and the ability of GenAI tools to perform a range of different business tasks mean that assurance teams will have limited visibility in...

Virtual payment cards, also known as temporary cards, are randomly generated temporary card numbers linked to a payment account that is used to process payments in place of genuine payment details. A virtual card is an online payment tool that has similar attributes as a traditional Credit or Debit card, with key components including a 16-digit card number, an expiry date, and a CVV number. These cards are digitized versions of a physical card or a card that only exists in its virtual form and is stored in digital wallets. The distinctive feature of virtual cards is the enhanced layer of security. Virtual Card Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, by 2028 global virtual card spending will have increased by 355 percent -- that's from $3.1 trillion in 2023. The key growth driver will be the adoption of API-based virtual card issuing platforms. Juniper analysts explored the use cases where virtual cards use temporary card numbers linked...

Digital Transformation has been the focal point for savvy enterprise C-suites and IT organizations hoping to gain competitive advantages by modernizing their core business processes with technology. The goal was to become a Digital Business where value creation is based on new processes, products, services, and customer experiences. Now, the Digital Business era is everywhere.  Companies are seeking new digital revenue streams while transforming operations to reduce costs and increase efficiency. For the CEOs at forward-looking organizations, 2024 will be pivotal. Digital Business Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by IDC, spending on digital business technologies is growing while traditional investment is stagnating or even declining. Demand for digital experiences from customers, employees, partners, and suppliers is pervasive. "Digital transformation was only the first step -- to truly gain value from change, companies need to move to an innovativ...

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the automobile sector has emerged as a vanguard of innovation, boldly steering into the digital technology era. And, this is just the beginning of an amazing digital transformation. Automobile manufacturers face the considerable challenge of transferring their legacy products to Electric Vehicles (EVs) while balancing the need to maintain revenue and profits to afford the switchover from internal combustion engines. Automobile Digitalization Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, automobile manufacturers will have invested $83.3 billion in digital technologies in 2023, growing by a CAGR of 8.5 percent to surpass $188 billion in 2033. "The transfer to EVs is driving demand for software, as manufacturers need to design new vehicles and simulate the vehicles' performance. The new production lines will also need to be simulated before launch," said Michael Larner, research direc...

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...

Digital identity verification is a security method applied in the processing of digital transactions. Digital identity verification is used to enable the remote verification of an individual’s identity, ensuring that they are who they claim to be online. This is most often used for digital onboarding customers onto an online service, but can also be used to verify identity when authorizing Fintech money transfers, or for access management. With the growing threats and increasingly complex fraud methods used by malicious actors, it is vital that institutions that handle sensitive data use up-to-date methods to protect their end-users. Digital Identity Market Development Many digital identity verification vendors offer solutions that increase the accuracy, security, and user experience of the digital onboarding process, and of other digital identity verification use cases. It's important that due to the variety of digital business use cases, other secure forms of identity verificatio...

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 evolution of mobile networks has witnessed a shift with the advent of Open RAN (Radio Access Network) solutions. Historically, traditional network architectures were characterized by proprietary, monolithic systems, and limiting flexibility. Open RAN represents a paradigm shift in the mobile sector with an extended and disaggregated approach to network infrastructure. The concept gained momentum as a response to the desire for greater interoperability, vendor diversity, and cost efficiency. This approach enables the decoupling of hardware and software components. Open RAN enables the deployment of adaptable systems that can keep pace with the advancements in wireless technology. Open RAN Market Development  Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) innovations in Open RAN Massive MIMO (mMIMO) solutions will play a pivotal role in improving performance to match that of traditional RAN mMIMO, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research. Wh...

The introduction of Artificial intelligence (AI), and the emergence of Generative AI   (GenAI), are now resulting in two key focus areas for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and their IT leadership team. "GenAI is not just a technology or just a business trend. It is a profound shift in how humans and machines interact," said Mary Mesaglio, VP Analyst at Gartner . "We are moving from what machines can do for us to what machines can be for us." AI platforms are evolving rapidly from being our tools to becoming our teammates. Gartner predicts that by 2025, GenAI will be a workforce partner for 90 percent of companies worldwide. CIO Leadership Market Development CIOs have a major role in how they shape AI and how AI shapes us. According to recent Gartner surveys of CEOs, enterprise CIOs are their number one choice to unlock the value of GenAI tools. In fact, CIOs and IT executives will prioritize two areas to unleash the possibility of AI over the next 12-24 months – ...

The Global Networked Economy -- a term synonymous with the interconnectedness of businesses, individuals, and governments worldwide -- has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2023. Fueled by the rapid growth of digital technologies and the global internet, this phenomenon has given rise to a worldwide marketplace that has already revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in 2024 will be equally disruptive to many traditional business leaders. GenAI will also create huge opportunities for the fearless pioneers. Global Networked Economy Market Development The Global Networked Economy's evolution traces back to the advent of the Public Internet. The introduction of eCommerce, social media, and cloud computing has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their customers. This interconnected ecosystem empowers savvy leaders to access new markets, trim operational costs, enhance commercial e...

The demand for smart traffic management systems has grown due to rising urban populations and increasing vehicle ownership. With more people and cars concentrated in cities, problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressing issues. Since the early 2000s, government leaders have been exploring ways to leverage advances in IoT connectivity, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to address these transportation challenges. The concept of a Smart City emerged in the 2010s, with smart mobility and intelligent traffic management as key components.  Smart Traffic Management Market Development Concerns about continued climate change, as well as cost savings from improved traffic flow, have further motivated local government investment in these advanced systems. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, they found that by 2028, smart traffic management investment will be up by 75 percent from a 2023 figure...

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...

In an evolving era of rapid advancement, market demand for innovative technology in the industrial and manufacturing sectors is skyrocketing. Leaders are recognizing the immense potential of digital transformation and are driving initiatives to integrate technologies into their business operations.  These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately drive growth and competitiveness in an increasingly digital business upward trajectory. The industrial and manufacturing sectors have been the backbone of the Global Networked Economy, contributing $16 trillion in value in 2021. Industrial and Manufacturing Tech Market Development   This growth represents a 20 percent increase from 2020, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of these sectors in the face of unprecedented challenges, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research . The five largest manufacturing verticals -- automotive, computer and electronic, primary metal, food, and ma...

In hindsight, the outcome of short-sighted CEO Return to Office (RTO) mandates was somewhat predictable. Less than one-third of employees now report they are engaged, enthusiastic, and energized by their work, according to the latest market study by Gartner. This research was showcased during their recent "ReimagineHR Conference" event. Gartner defines engagement in three ways: Employees feeling energized. Employees find purpose in their work. Employees feel empowered to do valuable work. The problem: many are not engaged. Employee Engagement Crisis Explained "Despite organizations making investments in engaging their employees, our research shows that almost 70 percent don’t feel as engaged as they should be and aren't feeling a meaningful connection to their job," said Keyia Burton, senior principal analyst at Gartner . Figuring out how to actually impact employee engagement is a huge priority because it has a significant impact on several key business outcome...

The quest for digital transformation is bringing both enormous opportunities and challenges for industrial organizations. As more processes embrace connectivity through initiatives like Industry 4.0, they are also being exposed to growing cybersecurity threats. This is prompting executives and industrial stakeholders across manufacturing, energy, mining, utilities, and other business sectors to re-evaluate how they secure critical infrastructure operations.  According to the latest worldwide study by Juniper Research, the market for industrial endpoint cybersecurity solutions is poised for massive growth in the coming years. Endpoint Cybersecurity Market Development Endpoint security refers to the processes used to monitor, manage and secure the various connected devices like PLCs, HMIs, engineering workstations, and more found within industrial facilities. Juniper analysts forecast that 210 million industrial endpoints will be utilizing endpoint cybersecurity services by 2028. Thi...

Enterprise leaders will have invested nearly $16 billion worldwide in Generative AI (GenAI) solutions in 2023, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). This spending, which includes GenAI software as well as related infrastructure hardware and IT or business services, is expected to reach $143 billion in 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 73.3 percent over the 2023-2027 forecast period. Note that this is more than twice the rate of growth in overall current AI investment, and almost 13 times greater than the CAGR for worldwide IT spending over the same period. Generative AI Market Development "Generative AI is more than a fleeting trend or mere hype. It is a transformative technology with far-reaching implications and business impact," said Ritu Jyoti, group vice president at IDC . With ethical and responsible implementation, GenAI solutions are poised to reshape industries -- changing the way we work, play, and interact wit...