Global Infrastructure and Services Company, NTT Limited, has revealed its key technology predictions for 2024. As IT teams plan for the future and organizations adapt to the impact of Generative AI, a mix of new and prominent trends is expected to gain traction in networking, Edge computing, Private 5G, data centers, and cloud services.
Richard Hechle, Managing Director of Dimension Data East Africa, highlights the exponential growth of AI adoption. Despite the potential of AGI and technological singularity in the distant future, he emphasizes the critical role of humans in the AI narrative. He notes that technology has significantly shaped daily life and work over the past decade, making previously mundane tasks easier and more exciting.
Hechle underscores the importance of emerging technologies in shaping the future globally, with Kenya and East Africa actively embracing innovation to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life.
NTT’s Technology Predictions for 2024
| Predictions | Key Points |
|---|---|
| ‘Dark NOC’ Emergence in Networking World | AIOps advancement leads to the concept of a fully automated, lights-out Network Operations Center (NOC). Automation, combined with human talent, becomes crucial for success. Networking specialists need upskilling to navigate the evolving landscape. |
| AI-Driven Investment in Disruptive Data Centers | AI accelerates data center density, pushing power consumption to double or triple in the coming years. Enterprises collaborate with energy providers for sustainable options. NTT pioneers techniques like liquid immersion cooling and explores space-based solar panels. |
| Sustainability Integral to Tech Solutions | Sustainability becomes a key factor in piloting, investing in, procuring, and scaling technologies. Enterprises leverage new solutions like Private 5G networks to achieve ESG goals. Tightening regulations drive industries toward net zero and nature-positive operations. |
| Optical Networking Gains Mainstream Attention | Focus on efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and future readiness propels optical networking in 2024. Trials demonstrate potential with 1.2Tbps transmission rates. A global effort, IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network), aims to overcome existing infrastructure limitations. |
| IoT Ecosystems Boost Private 5G and Edge Adoption | IoT, Private 5G, and edge computing combine for real-time insights and better decision-making. The edge grows in importance for analytics, automation, computer vision, and digital twins. Organizations anticipate increased reliance on third-party edge services. |
| Human Skills Essential for AI Uptake | Despite AI integration in CX delivery, human intervention remains critical. Closing skills shortages becomes a priority, with reskilling and upskilling initiatives driving profitability. AI and big data analytics skills become baseline requirements for various industries. |
| Vertical-Specific Clouds Go Vertical | In 2024, vertical-specific clouds package software, PaaS, and IaaS layers for industry-centric use cases. The focus shifts to business outcomes rather than the underlying technology. Transformation services providers, like those in transportation and defense, embrace managed cloud infrastructures. |
As NTT forecasts the technology landscape for 2024, the company emphasizes the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and human expertise. The evolving role of technology is set to shape the global future across diverse sectors.
