In an era where technology is not just an enabler but a critical differentiator, understanding the key trends that will shape the future is essential for any organization. Gartner, a global leader in research and advisory, has recently unveiled its Top 10 Strategic Tech Trends for 2024. Research and analysis have led to these insights, not just predictions. They help businesses navigate the complex landscape of emerging technologies. We examine each of these trends in depth, exploring why they are gaining traction and how organizations can benefit from them.
AI Models Managed with TRiSM
TRiSM is revolutionizing the way we manage AI models by focusing on reducing bias and ensuring fairness. This is particularly crucial in today’s world where AI is increasingly being used in decision-making processes, from hiring to loan approvals. The TRiSM control mechanisms ensure that the AI models’ original explanations and interpretations are preserved during their operational phase. This is a step forward in making AI more transparent and accountable. Companies adopting TRiSM can expect not only ethical advantages but also enhanced public trust. As AI continues to penetrate various sectors (AI-based photo editing tools, AI-powered online video advertising, ChatGPT-like tech, just to name a few), the importance of ethical considerations like fairness and bias reduction cannot be overstated. To get started, businesses should focus on robust model monitoring and consider integrating TRiSM controls into their existing AI frameworks.
Security Through CTEM
Cyber Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is gaining traction as a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Unlike traditional methods such as privileged access management that focus solely on patching vulnerabilities, CTEM aligns exposure assessments with specific business projects and threat vectors. This makes it a more dynamic and business-centric approach to cybersecurity. It addresses both patchable and unpatchable exposures, providing a more holistic view of an organization’s cyber risk landscape. The key advantage here is that it validates the attacker’s perspective, offering insights into potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Companies looking to bolster their cybersecurity should consider integrating CTEM into their risk management programs.
Sustainability-Driven Technologies
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Technologies that drive sustainability are becoming essential, especially against the backdrop of climate change and increasing regulatory pressures. Companies are now looking at sustainability as a way to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s through the adoption of clean energy, waste reduction, or ethical sourcing, technology plays a pivotal role. Businesses should involve their ethics boards in selecting these technologies and creating a roadmap for sustainable operations. This not only helps in compliance but also enhances brand image and customer trust.
Internal Platforms
The concept of building internal platforms with reusable components is a game-changer for organizational efficiency. These platforms allow for rapid development and deployment of various applications and services, reducing time-to-market. They are built with composable, configurable components that can be easily tailored to meet specific business needs. This approach also fosters innovation as developers can experiment without having to build everything from scratch. Companies should collaborate with end-users to identify and prioritize the technical capabilities, tools, and processes that will be most beneficial. Internal platforms are the future of agile and efficient business operations.
AI-Augmented Development Tools
AI-augmented development tools are transforming the software development lifecycle. They not only improve developer productivity but also enable design-to-code transformations and enhance application testing capabilities. These tools leverage AI algorithms to automate repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of development. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that aim to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives like social media schedulers, writing assistants and more.. To leverage these tools effectively, companies should establish a team of senior software engineers to evaluate various AI code generation and testing tools. The goal is to integrate these tools seamlessly into the existing development workflow.
Industry Cloud Platforms (ICPs)
Industry Cloud Platforms (ICPs) offer tailored cloud solutions that are specific to individual industries. They focus on delivering outcomes that are directly aligned with the mission-critical priorities of the vertical segments they serve. This is a significant shift from one-size-fits-all cloud solutions. ICPs can be customized further to meet an organization’s unique needs, making them highly flexible and scalable. Businesses should use ICPs to complement, not replace, their existing application portfolios. Rules should be established for when and how ICP functions should be deployed to optimize existing processes.
Generative AI in Apps
Generative AI is redefining app development by making applications more intelligent and user-centric. It adds a layer of intelligence to apps by incorporating predictive algorithms or recommendation engines. This enhances user engagement and provides a more personalized experience. For businesses, this means higher customer retention and potentially increased revenue streams. Companies should establish a center of excellence focused on generative AI to capture, explain, and monitor its impact across their app portfolios. This will help in making informed decisions about scaling and optimizing the use of generative AI in applications.
Democratizing Generative AI
The democratization of generative AI is set to revolutionize the way enterprises operate. By making AI accessible across the organization, companies can boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and unlock new avenues for growth. This is a transformative approach that impacts not just tech teams but virtually all departments, from marketing to HR. To harness the full potential of democratized AI, organizations should create a prioritized matrix of use cases and set clear timelines for pilot projects and full-scale deployment. Employee training should also be a focus to ensure successful implementation. A highlt skilled video maker can alson play a crucial role in democratizing Generative AI by leveraging their skills to produce informative and accessible content. Through visually captivating presentations, these creators can effectively dismantle the knowledge barriers that impede widespread participation in AI research and development. By delivering tutorials, practical demonstrations, and real-world case studies, video makers can impart comprehensive understanding and enable individuals to navigate various tools and software frameworks involved in generating AI models.
The impact of AI text generators on democratizing generative AI cannot be overstated. Historically, generative AI models were confined to an elite group of experts with specialized knowledge in coding and data science. This exclusivity limited the participation of individuals without technical backgrounds. However, AI text generators have revolutionized the landscape by providing accessible tools for generating sophisticated texts.
Accelerated Skill Development
In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to quickly upskill workers is invaluable. Accelerated skill development programs are designed to reduce the time it takes for new hires to become competent, especially in complex job roles. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances employee satisfaction, as they can contribute meaningfully in a shorter time frame. Companies should prioritize these programs, especially for roles that require specialized skills. Cross-functional programs can be particularly effective in achieving this goal.
IoT-Enabled Machine Customers
The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to disrupt traditional customer engagement models. By 2028, billions of connected devices will act as ‘machine customers,’ influencing trillions of dollars in purchases. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities for businesses in terms of automated transactions and data-driven insights. Companies should establish a Machine Customer Investigation team to explore these emerging market opportunities. This will involve understanding the behavior of machine customers and developing strategies to engage with them effectively.
Conclusion
As we stand on the cusp of a technological revolution, the importance of aligning business strategies with emerging tech trends cannot be overstated. The Top 10 Strategic Tech Trends for 2024 by Gartner provide a comprehensive guide for organizations to prepare for the future. By understanding the significance of these trends and implementing actionable steps, businesses can not only stay ahead of the curve but also drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create sustainable growth. The future is uncertain, but with the right strategies in place, organizations can navigate it with confidence and agility.
