Seven IT challenges, trends, and top topics for 2024
Digital transformation is revolutionizing the corporate landscape, but at the same time is opening up new challenges. This overview highlights the most important trends that will shape companies in 2024.
The focus is on IT security & Cybersecurity solutions, given the growing interconnectedness and automation, which brings with it an increased risk of computer crime. Cloud transformation plays a central role, with companies increasingly investing in modernizing their IT and implementing various cloud models and services. Artificial intelligence (AI) takes a leading position, as its applications range from manufacturing to medicine, and companies must set the course for future investments as early as 2024.
Automation and robotics are transforming not only factories but also everyday life, while 5G, with faster internet and real-time transmission, is revolutionizing the communications landscape. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is emerging as the most modern approach in cybersecurity, while the M365 Modern Workplace serves as the key to attractive employers who offer a contemporary digital work environment in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers. These trends are shaping corporate strategies and at the same time opening up new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Trend 1 :
IT Security & Cybersecurity Solutions
Digitizing a company opens up groundbreaking opportunities, such as tapping into entirely new business areas. However, with growing connectivity and automation comes an increased risk of cybercrime. Organizations are exposing themselves to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, as systems, processes, and applications become more interconnected.
Trend 2:
Cloud Transformation
For many companies, cloud transformation will be a top priority in 2024. This involves far more than simply moving a server to a hyperscaler (cloud service provider). According to recent IT market research, 70% of surveyed companies plan to invest in modernizing their IT infrastructure this year, with more than half focusing specifically on cloud transformation. There are four main models of cloud computing: private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi-clouds. Additionally, cloud services are generally categorized into three main types: IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service).
Trend 3:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence remains one of the hottest topics this year, driven by rapid advances in recent years. Its applications range from autonomous vehicles in manufacturing, to stock market analysis in finance, to more precise and efficient diagnostics in healthcare. AI systems can even generate personalized treatment plans for patients. AI-powered applications have also drawn attention for helping companies cope with routine tasks and partially addressing the talent shortage. While most organizations will feel the real benefits starting in 2025, the foundation for those gains needs to be laid in 2024 through targeted investments.
Trend 4:
Automation and Robotics
Automation refers to technologies designed to automate processes, machines, and systems. Robotics has moved far beyond the factory floor. Think of autonomous vehicles, drone deliveries, or household robots that assist with tasks such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn.
Trend 5:
5G – The Fifth Generation of Mobile Networks
Faster internet, everywhere. 5G, introduced in 2019, represents the fifth generation of mobile networking. Compared to earlier versions, it offers higher data rates, lower latency, real-time transmission, and the ability to connect significantly more devices simultaneously.
Trend 6:
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)
Continuous Threat Exposure Management is a modern cybersecurity strategy that involves continuously monitoring and managing an organization’s exposure to threats in real time. CTEM identifies, measures, and prioritizes potential business risks before hackers can exploit them—going beyond reactive approaches such as firewalls or antivirus software. A Gartner report published in July 2022 noted that companies implementing CTEM could reduce potential security breaches by up to two-thirds by 2026.
Trend 7:
M365 Modern Workplace for Attractive Employers
With many companies struggling to attract and retain skilled employees, offering a modern digital workplace is more important than ever. This includes advanced IT solutions and flexible concepts that enable collaborative work—whether in the office, at home, or on the go. With Microsoft 365, employees have access to all documents and data anytime, anywhere, on any device—be it a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The workplace is no longer tied to a location but adapts to wherever you are.