Gartner has outlined six emerging trends that are set to transform infrastructure and operations (I&O) within businesses by 2025. This assessment provides I&O leaders with an opportunity to define future skills requirements and gain insights that are critical for effective implementation. As organisations seek to enhance the value derived from their I&O operations, these trends offer pathways for differentiation and advancement.
The first trend, cyberstorage, represents an innovative approach to data management. This solution is characterised by a distributed data harbour where fragmented data is stored across various locations but can be reassembled instantly when needed. Jeffrey Hewitt, a Vice President Analyst at Gartner, highlighted that cyberstorage can take various forms, including dedicated solutions, comprehensive platform-native service offerings, or collections of standalone products that complement existing storage capabilities with enhanced cyber protection. For organisations to effectively leverage cyberstorage, it is essential to assess the risks associated with storage threats and the increasing regulatory pressures, which can assist in constructing a compelling business case for its adoption.
The second trend pertains to liquid-cooled infrastructure, which encompasses rear-door heat exchange, immersion cooling, and direct-to-chip technologies. This type of infrastructure supports modern chip generations and meets the growing demands of artificial intelligence while providing flexibility for Edge computing scenarios. Although still in a niche category, liquid cooling is predicted to gain popularity as next-generation GPUs and CPUs produce higher levels of heat and power consumption.
The third trend focuses on optimal infrastructure, where I&O teams are encouraged to make informed choices regarding infrastructure deployments based on specific use cases. This business-centric approach ensures that decisions regarding infrastructure resonate with executive leadership outside of IT. By aligning these choices with the broader business objectives, I&O teams are better positioned to gain the support and approval from senior executives and departmental leaders.
Intelligent applications represent the fourth trend, driven by the capabilities of generative AI. These applications are expected to operate with a level of intelligence that adjusts according to user context and intent. They significantly reduce digital friction by seamlessly interacting with external APIs and connected data, enhancing overall efficiency and requiring less intervention from I&O teams. This innovation optimises processes and resource utilisation, resulting in streamlined operations.
The fifth trend, revirtualisation and devirtualisation, has emerged as I&O teams reassess their virtualisation strategies in light of recent changes to licensing for certain vendor solutions. Various organisations are exploring alternatives, which may include shifting to public, distributed, or private cloud solutions while reconsidering their hypervisor choices. I&O leaders are advised to conduct a thorough inventory of existing virtualisation implementations along with their interdependencies and assess the evolution of skills necessary to support these strategic decisions.
Finally, the sixth trend examines the crucial nexus between security and organisational culture. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, it is essential for security programmes to evolve beyond traditional frameworks to address behavioural and cultural elements within the workforce. Security behaviour and culture programmes (SBCPs) aim to reduce cybersecurity incidents linked to employee conduct. By fostering improved adoption of security measures and curtailing risky behaviours, SBCPs enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity resources.
As businesses prepare to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape in the coming years, these trends highlighted by Gartner will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of I&O operations. Each trend presents avenues for investment and growth, ultimately aiming to boost operational resilience and strategic alignment within the business.
Source: Noah Wire Services