In 2024, disruptive technologies transformed business operations across industries — AI automated manual workflows, personalized customer experience (CX), and optimized cybersecurity; cloud, edge, and quantum computing improved real-time processing and predictive analytics; the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and low-power wide-area networks enabled innovative applications; digital content services boosted immersive technologies, new platforms, and targeted marketing; and cloud communications streamlined collaboration across dispersed work environments.
Strategic Imperatives Catalysing Change in the ICT Landscape
- Disruptive Technologies: Generative AI (GenAI), machine learning (ML), 6G, quantum computing, digital twins, extended realty (XR), robotics, and edge computing.
- Megatrends: Digital transformation, hybrid/remote work, sustainability, urbanization, digital inclusivity, and cybersecurity.
- Innovative Business Models: Software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), decentralization, and outcome-based models.
- Industry Convergence: Blending and verticalization of technologies with finance, healthcare, manufacturing, autonomous mobility, smart homes, energy and power, and retail.
- Internal Challenges: Legacy systems, rigid hierarchies, cost concerns, customer resistance, and employee skills-gaps.
To read on about the impact of these strategic imperatives on future of ICT, click here.
ICT Growth Opportunities for 2025
Looking back at 2024, it’s clear that several groundbreaking innovations reshaped digital landscapes, pushing the boundaries of connectivity, automation, and analytics. From the rise of AI-driven personalization and advancements in real-time computing to the growth of satellite internet, green IT, and next-gen cybersecurity, 2024’s milestones are setting the stage for a transformative future.
Here’s a preview of key growth opportunities for 2025:
- Managed cloud services like infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS): Enabling businesses to scale operations, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation by outsourcing complex IT management.
Companies to Action in IaaS and PaaS: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, Alibaba, IBM, Oracle, Tencent, and Huawei.
- GenAI implementation services: Helping businesses maximize AI-driven creativity, automation, personalized experiences, and innovative product development.
Companies to Action in AI Implementation: Infosys, Hitachi Digital Services, and Lenovo.
- Immersive technologies and the metaverse: Powering futuristic digital experiences, interactive virtual environments, and new business models through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).
Companies to Action in Industrial XR: Microsoft, Scope AR, PTC, and AVEVA.
- Massive and cellular IoT: Allowing seamless connectivity for billions of devices, driving innovation in smart cities, industrial automation, intelligent manufacturing, telehealth, and autonomous transport.
Companies to Action in Cellular IoT: 1NCE, KORE Wireless, Wireless Logic, Telit Cinterion, and KDDI’s Soracom.
- Zero trust network access (ZTNA) in software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs): Enforcing strict access controls by verifying users, devices, and connections before granting access to networks and enterprise resources.
Companies to Action in SD-WAN: Fortinet, Versa Networks, and VMWare.
- Futuristic wireless technologies to tackle complex business problems: Delivering ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity that enables innovative solutions and support for a wide range of applications, from smart homes to industrial automation and smart cities.
Companies to Action in Private 5G: AT&T, China Mobile, China Telecom, Celona, Cisco, and Ericsson.
- Contact center workforce optimization (WFO): Enhancing operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and employee productivity through advanced analytics, AI, automation, and real-time insights.
Companies to Action in WFO: Verint, Zenarate, Zoho, Cisco, NICE, Calabrio, and CallMiner.
- Programmable communications and communications platform-as-a-service (CPaaS): Integrating, customizing, managing, and controlling communication services—such as voice, messaging, video, and email—through flexible application programming interfaces (APIs) and software platforms.
Companies to Action in CPaaS: Twilio, Infobip, Vonage, Sinch, Telnyx, and Cisco.
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Next Steps on Your ICT Growth Journey
The ICT ecosystem of 2025 is poised to be more interconnected, intelligent, and responsive than ever before, fueled by advancements in GenAI, 5G, edge AI, blockchain, and VR. As businesses grapple with the challenges of legacy systems, cost concerns, and skills gaps, the strategic adoption of new technologies will be critical to staying competitive in tomorrow’s digital economy.
Are your teams equipped with the right implementation plans to the make the most of emerging ICT opportunities?
If not, Frost & Sullivan is here to guide you. Download our latest growth content to explore emerging trends, breakthrough technologies, leading providers, and winning strategies that drive sustainable ICT growth in 2025 and beyond.
Further, to uncover customized growth opportunities for your organization, sign up for an exclusive Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with our ICT experts today!
