The essential technology trends in 2023 and beyond
Author: Laurence Glen | Date published: December, 8, 2023, UK | Read est: 8 min read
Looking to kickstart 2024 the right way? Today, we’re looking back at the biggest technology trends in 2023 and what they had to offer, so we can plan and look forward to what technologies 2024 will bring to the table.
From the integration of AI in cyber security to the imminent PSTN shut-off, these are the stories you’ll want to keep an eye on as they continue to alter workplaces, strategies and finances for businesses moving forward.
Ready? Let’s dive into the latest technology and trends 2023 that made a serious impact and what 2024’s future is likely to bring.
The rise of AI
Possibly the biggest of the technology trends in 2023 is that you didn’t need to scroll far before Artificial Learning (AI) appeared on your news feed. No longer a sci-fi storyline, AI and Machine Learning can be utilised efficiently throughout business operations in a variety of ways.
AI trends 2023 and beyond
AI trends such as ChatGPT and DALL-E provided new avenues in market research and trend analysis, whilst Generative AI and synthetic data have created real-world scenarios and testing environments for cyber security measures to run. Clearly, the possibilities of AI seem endless right now.
A notable step in AI trends was the emergence of Explainable AI[1], which allows companies to access the technology’s reasoning as to why it came to its conclusion. Features like this provide businesses with logic behind a machine's reasoning, further increasing AI validity in business operations.
AIOps
Another example is the introduction to Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations[2] (AIOps). AIOps combine large quantities of data from your business to automate IT operations, such as event correlation, collaboration, automated remediation, and anomaly detection. Basically, AIOps have the ability to improve employee experiences whilst also keeping costs low.
AI in 2024
If things keep going the same way, current AI technology trends will continue to expand the technology into more bespoke and business-focused processes in 2024, providing teams with an even greater arsenal of tools to increase productivity and data-driven decisions.
We’re starting to see this expansion with services like Microsoft’s Copilot, which combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with data from your Microsoft 365 apps, creating a productivity tool that streamlines a myriad of daily tasks.
Though AI technologies are far from perfect (that human touch is still required alongside its use), if you're leveraging AI in 2024, you’re gaining a competitive edge.
Cyber security tech and trends
As the digital transformation revolution continues, so does the need to safeguard data. Naturally, this has brought cyber security to the top of the technology trends in 2023 and will continue to stay relevant as threats are ever-evolving.
As attention increases, so do the potential threats. Studies have suggested one in two businesses have been the victim of a successful cyber attack in the past three years[3]. Additionally, the cost of these attacks on the industry is expected to grow to over $10 trillion by the end of 2024[4].
We can see cyber resilience becoming an increasingly prominent trend throughout 2024 across business and consumer technology. Teams will need to adapt to cyber threats and challenges reactively… which is why cyber security awareness is something you should already be discussing.
Cyber security and phishing
Did you know only 10% of cyber security breaches were not caused by human error?[5]. What’s more, many of these instances can be avoided with the proper knowledge and guidance from a professional.
For example, it was reported this year that phishing continued to be the preferred method for hackers throughout 2023[6]. Anyone can get easily hooked by a phishing scam, especially in a work environment where emails, team chats, and websites are constantly in use.
However, with the proper training and testing procedures in place, you can build up and eliminate the chances of a data breach occurring in your day-to-day business.
The future of cyber security is AI
Thought AI trends were done for the day? Think again. AI has also made its way into cyber security services, such as the anti-virus protection solution endpoint. Early adopters of AI-enhanced security systems will only reap the benefits earlier than the rest.
Take our work at Focus Group as an example. Our AI-enhanced cyber security services reactively deploy phishing prevention methods alongside learning and understanding the threat itself, ensuring the software adapts to new dangers.
So, if you’re keen to keep your data safe throughout 2024, check out the fantastic features and training services Focus Group offers through its cyber security training.
IoT trends 2023 - The Internet of Things only gets bigger
When talking about recent technology trends, The Internet of Things (IoT) is likely to be at the top of the discussion pile.
A sprawling network where everyday objects - from fridges to cars – IoT trends 2023 have connected devices across multiple networks and revolutionised the way millions of businesses share data, creating a powerful feedback loop businesses can use to gain a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour and product usage.
Understandably, this has made IoT a top technology trend in 2023 for businesses, but what’s more surprising is the amount of people employing it. By the end of 2024, the number of devices connected to the worldwide network that make up the IoT is expected to hit more than 207 billion devices!
Who's using IoT?
Strangely, only 29% of businesses with over 50 employees have fully embraced IoT solutions[7]. There are many factors as to why this could be. For example, as the number of devices connected to your network increases, so do the potential threat avenues for attackers, and, as we mentioned beforehand, companies might not have the cyber security services in place to monitor these issues.
With the current IoT trends of 2023 showing that connectivity has come leaps and bounds in recent years, the likelihood of the IoT slowing down through 2024 is thin.
In fact, exciting developments in AI - yes, AI again - could bring all the solutions to the IoT we need. Through a convergence with AI-Augmented IoT (AIOT), developers can set up protocols to ensure devices are sharing data safely without opening windows to potential hackers.
With the continued increase of 5G networks leading to an array of new technologies and services, IoT is a business solution that certainly won't slow, so you’d be wise to wrap your head around it before 2024.
A massive change to telecoms services
Just in case you missed the first round of massive alarm bells, we thought we’d underline the major changes coming to voice services in the UK. Whilst not a trend as such, it’s set to ring in the biggest changes in telecoms since Alexander James Bell first used a copper wire for voice transmission way back in 1875.
From 5th of September 2023, BT Openreach initiated a national stop-sell of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), meaning it’s no longer possible to purchase copper-based services or make any changes to legacy telephony infrastructures. PSTN lines (analogue or digital phone lines, ISDN phone systems used by businesses and older internet connections such as ADSL and FTTC broadband) will be 100% obsolete once the complete switch-off arrives in 2025.
With this huge change now set in stone, Openreach is replacing PSTN and upgrading to a far more resilient network. Fibre. So, with copper now on the chopper and fibre taking the spotlight, businesses are embracing alternative ways to communicate with customers and teams alike for 2024 and onward in order to futureproof services ahead of the switch-off and the mad rush to upgrade.
VoIP tech trends 2023
Enter the most essential of tech trends 2023, VoIP (voice over internet protocol) technology, an always-online service essential for businesses in need of flexible and scalable global communications. Though VoIP has been around since 1990, the increased demand for cloud-based telephony that can easily scale has brought it back into the headlines.
VoIP allows voice calls to be transmitted over IP networks using an internet connection rather than traditional telephone networks. In a nutshell, VoIP fits perfectly into where PSTN used to be.
Since the pandemic, VoIP has seen a 212% growth, with 67% of mobile workers saying VoIP boosted their productivity[8], courtesy of its reliable and feature-rich services.[9]
As we jump into 2024, VoIP will continue to reach new homes within the business sector, helping teams through crystal clear comms and money-saving solutions.
What’s next?
As we head into 2024, it’s clear with trends such as AI, Cyber Security and the IoT that we’re fully invested in digital transformation and the revolutionary way it will change business. No matter the size or sector of your company, having a plan in place for a world which is entirely online is a must. We're only moving forward, never back.
So, if you want to invest in the right telecom service, improve cyber security, or fully immerse your business in digital transformation, get in touch with our team of experts today.
References
- https://www.ibm.com/topics/explainable-ai
- https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/aiops-artificial-intelligence-operations
- https://sosafe-awareness.com/resources/reports/human-risk-review/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2023/03/05/cybersecurity-trends--statistics-for-2023-more-treachery-and-risk-ahead-as-attack-surface-and-hacker-capabilities-grow/
- https://www.verizon.com/about/news/2023-data-breach-investigations-report
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2023/03/05/cybersecurity-trends--statistics-for-2023-more-treachery-and-risk-ahead-as-attack-surface-and-hacker-capabilities-grow/
- https://omdia.tech.informa.com/Marketing/Campaigns/IoT
- https://tech.co/business-phone-systems/voip-statistics
- https://findstack.com/resources/voip-statistics/
Laurence Glen
IT Director
Our IT world, together with the ongoing development of this business-critical portfolio of services, is in very capable hands with Laurence at the helm. IBM-trained and with a 22-year track record of proven success in the IT sector ensures Laurence is perfectly placed to lead the overall IT strategy for Focus Group, ensuring we’re at the forefront of product development and service innovations in order to deliver the best possible IT technologies for our customers.
