IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Future of Connectedness 2023 Predictions
This IDC study contains IDC's future of connectedness predictions for 2023 through 2028. The outlook is presented through the lens of the 10 predictions that make up the framework for technology-related initiatives in the years ahead. This framework can be leveraged by enterprise C-level business and IT executives to make impactful business decisions that will drive positive business outcomes well into the future of the enterprise. "The impacts of hybrid work, inflation, global economics, and business uncertainty are forcing enterprises to adapt business operations to counteract disruptive market forces," states Paul Hughes, research director, Future of Connectedness at IDC. "Organizations that adopt and integrate a smart, scalable, and flexible cloud-centric connectivity strategy across the organization will reap the benefits of improved agility, a more productive workforce, and more resilient operations."
Please Note: Extended description available upon request.
- IDC FutureScape Figure
- Executive Summary
- IDC FutureScape Predictions
- Summary of External Drivers
- Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
- Prediction 1: By 2024, 75% of Enterprises Will Leverage Cloud-Based APIs to Create Customer Engagement Applications That Integrate UCaaS/CPaaS Platforms with Multichannel Options to Improve Customer Experience
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 2: By 2025, 50% of Digital Organizations Will Augment "Cloud First" with a "Wireless First" Multi-Access Network Fabric Using Diverse Technologies for Mission-Critical and Business Continuity Use Cases
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 3: By 2025, Only 30% of Organizations Will Benefit from Defined 5G Use Cases Due to Fragmentation and Lack of Leadership Among Connectivity, Technology, and Managed Services Providers
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 4: By 2026, 40% of Enterprises Will Double Investments in Hyperconnected Digital Spaces to Increase Productivity, Improve Collaboration, and Boost Energy Efficiency
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 5: By 2024, 50% of Large Enterprises Will Use a Hyperscaler's Cloud WAN Service Within Their Network, Either Directly or Indirectly, Pushing Telcos Further Toward the Role of Service Integrators
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 6: By 2027, the Metaverse Will Account for 70% of Annual Media Traffic Growth on the Internet, Where Both Consumer and Business Use Cases Will Drive Increased Bandwidth Demand
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 7: By 2023, 40% of Enterprises Will Benefit from Optimized Operational Efficiency, Enhanced Security, and Reduced Network Costs by Leveraging SD-WAN and Security for Cloud-Managed Networking and Security
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 8: By 2024, 30% of Enterprises Will Extend Network Attentiveness Across All Major IT Teams (e.g., SecOps, DevOps, and AIOps) by Expanding Skill Development, Screening Requirements, and NetOps Interactions
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 9: By 2026, 40% of Companies Will Lag in Executing a Resilient Connectivity Strategy Due to Budget Shortfalls, as Workplace Transformation Becomes the New Normal for Customers, Employers, and Partners
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Prediction 10: By 2027, 80% of G2000 Enterprises Will Require LEO Satellites to Cover Gaps in Network Coverage for Remote, Rural, and High-Risk International Locations
- Associated Drivers
- IT Impact
- Business Impact
- Guidance
- Advice for Technology Buyers
- External Drivers: Detail
- Storms of Disruption — Accelerating, Interconnected Uncertainty
- Cybersecurity and Risk — Scaling and Evolving Threat Environment
- Economic Instability — Flurry, Snowball, or Avalanche?
- Global Supply Shock — Refocusing on Multisource and Resilience
- Digital Business — Stepping Stone to the Future Enterprise
- Meaningful Intelligence — Differentiated Decision Power
- Ecosystem-Based Innovation — Driving Enterprise Value
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- Related Research
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