Top 10: Technology Trends of 2024
The relationship between enterprises and technology underwent significant changes in 2024.
Technology has become central to operational resilience, competitive advantage, and regulatory compliance. Chief Technology Officers, once focused primarily on maintaining IT infrastructure, now regularly participate in strategic business decisions. Cybersecurity has evolved from a technical consideration to a fundamental business risk, discussed in board meetings alongside financial performance. Environmental impact faces increased scrutiny from regulators and investors in major markets, while AI capabilities have matured from narrowly focused tools to broader business applications.
As we look to 2025, Technology Magazine has highlighted some of the Top 10 Technology Trends of 2024.
10. Quantum Computing Preparation
Quantum computing preparation has become a strategic priority for forward-thinking enterprises. Google, through its Quantum AI division, operates prototype quantum processors for research into algorithmic applications.
IBM, meanwhile, provides cloud access to quantum computing systems and development tools through its Quantum program. Organisations can experiment with quantum algorithms without purchasing specialised hardware.
Current quantum systems contain limited numbers of qubits (quantum bits) and require extensive error correction. Commercial applications remain in development, though financial and pharmaceutical firms have begun testing potential use cases.
9. AI-Powered Cybersecurity
AI-powered cybersecurity represents a fundamental shift in how enterprises protect their digital assets. Darktrace’s AI-based threat detection and response system demonstrates the power of machine learning in identifying and responding to cyber threats in real-time. The company’s solution uses self-learning AI to understand normal business operations and identify anomalies that might indicate security breaches.
This trend reflects the growing recognition that traditional rule-based security approaches are insufficient against modern cyber threats, leading to the adoption of more sophisticated, AI-driven security solutions that can adapt to evolving threat landscapes.
8. Immersive Workplace Technologies
Virtual reality systems are being deployed for remote collaboration and training. Meta, the social media and technology company, has developed workplace collaboration tools that create three-dimensional meeting spaces.
HTC Corporation, which manufactures virtual reality equipment, provides systems for industrial training and product design reviews. Users wear headsets that display interactive 3D environments.
Implementation requires investment in virtual reality hardware and modification of existing work processes. Organisations typically begin with specific use cases such as safety training or design reviews.
7. Digital Supply Chain Transformation
Companies are implementing software to track and optimise supply chain operations. SAP, which develops enterprise resource planning software, provides systems that combine inventory data, supplier information and logistics tracking.
Oracle also offers cloud-based supply chain applications that use distributed ledger technology (a decentralised record-keeping system) to verify product origins and movement.
These systems enable organisations to maintain records of inventory levels and shipment status across multiple locations. Integration with supplier systems provides visibility into potential delays or disruptions.
6. Low-Code/No-Code Development Platforms
Software development platforms now include visual tools for creating applications without programming knowledge. ServiceNow, which provides workflow automation software, offers App Engine for building internal business applications through a graphical interface.
Salesforce, meanwhile, includes tools for creating custom applications that integrate with its platform, where users can build forms, workflows and reports without writing code.
Research firm Gartner estimates that 70% of new enterprise applications will be developed using low-code or no-code tools by 2025. IT departments often establish governance frameworks to manage applications created through these platforms.
5. Hybrid Cloud Optimisation
Hybrid cloud optimisation has become critical as organisations seek to balance the benefits of public and private cloud infrastructure. Red Hat, an IBM subsidiary that develops enterprise software, provides the OpenShift platform for managing applications across different infrastructure types.
Migration between environments requires standardised containers – packages containing application code and dependencies – and automated deployment processes. Organisations typically maintain certain applications in corporate data centres for security or performance requirements.
4. Sustainable Technology & Green IT
Sustainable technology has moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have in enterprise IT strategy. HPE’s GreenLake platform, for instance, represents a new approach to cloud services that prioritises energy efficiency through optimised hardware utilisation and intelligent power management. The platform allows organisations to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high performance levels.
The trend extends beyond energy efficiency to encompass the entire IT lifecycle, including sustainable procurement, responsible disposal of hardware and the use of renewable energy sources for data centres.
3. Edge Computing & 5G Enterprise Applications
Organisations are moving computing resources closer to data sources to reduce processing delays. Dell Technologies, for instance, markets ruggedised servers for industrial settings where data processing must occur on-site.
Meanwhile networking equipment company Cisco has developed private 5G networks for manufacturing facilities. These networks operate independently from public mobile infrastructure and provide dedicated bandwidth for industrial applications.
The combination of edge computing (processing data near its source) and private 5G enables applications that require rapid response times, such as robotic systems in manufacturing plants.
2. Zero Trust Security Architecture
Companies are adopting security frameworks that require continuous verification of users and devices. Palo Alto Networks has developed the Prisma Access platform which authenticates every network request, regardless of its origin.
Meanwhile CrowdStrike, which specialises in endpoint security software, provides the Falcon platform, which monitors device activities and automatically responds to potential threats.
The shift towards zero trust – a security model requiring all users to be authenticated – stems from increased remote work adoption and cloud service usage. Implementation typically requires organisations to replace existing security infrastructure and modify access protocols.
1. Generative AI Enterprise Integration
Enterprise adoption of generative AI (Gen AI) has moved beyond experimentation to deployment in specific business functions. Major financial institutions have implemented these systems for code review and documentation, while consumer goods companies report measurable improvements in content creation efficiency.
In 2024, the focus has shifted from general-purpose AI models to domain-specific implementations that address particular business needs. Cloud providers now offer enterprise-grade Gen AI services with enhanced security controls, though most regulated industries continue to require on-premises deployment for sensitive operations.
2024 has seen several new innovations in Gen AI, with tech giants like Amazon and Google launching new and updated models towards the end of the year.
Microsoft has embedded GPT-4 capabilities across its Microsoft 365 platform, enabling it to draft documents, analyse spreadsheets and summarise meetings.
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