1. High Demand for Cloud Solutions
Since the start of the pandemic, cloud usage in companies has increased sharply. Without cloud services, tools and apps, it would have been very difficult to send employees to the home office, maintain global supply chains or map entire business models digitally. IT departments relieve their IT budgets by outsourcing systems and applications to the cloud. KPMG’s Cloud Monitor 2021 shows that companies that run their applications in a managed cloud save around 40 percent in IT costs over a 3-year period. In 2022, the topic of multi-cloud will gain in importance. IT departments are embracing the use of multiple cloud providers this year to minimize downtime risk. Here, a mix of private, public, internal and external cloud systems will be used and designed as needed. As a result, companies increasingly need to address issues of data gravitas, privacy, security, (regulatory) compliance, and agility.
2. Decentralized Work with Hybrid It
Here, too, we have to address the issue of pandemics once again: Technologies and IT workplaces outside of one’s own office will have become part of everyday life by then at the latest. With the slow build-up of the “metaverse”, virtual offices are also becoming more and more commonplace. Here, companies no longer face technical challenges (because they already do), but rather the problem of how to deliver jobs quickly and effectively around the globe. Unfortunately, there are no signs of improvement in terms of supply bottlenecks and high hardware prices in 2022 either. Nevertheless, companies are again pursuing decentralized working with the approach of using some IT resources internally for others, however, cloud services. This is called hybrid IT: centralizing IT management internally while taking advantage of the decentralized cloud. Put another way: A hybrid IT environment combines the flexibility and scalability of cloud services with the security and control of an on-premises IT environment.
3. Generative AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a machine to map human thought processes. Many are already familiar with this from the e-commerce sector: Here, automated customer communication is already almost standard. Currently, machines and computers analyze already existing data and thus provide purchase recommendations or helpful tips to the end user. Under the keyword “Generative AI”, AI should be able to create completely new and valuable data. Generative AI can be used in business support in many areas. A practical example is the “Hack Rod” from the American software company Autodesk. This vehicle was completely designed by Generative AI. In the process, computers used algorithms to calculate thousands of design options to arrive at the most effective design. Gartner projects that by 2025, 10% of all data generated will be through Generative AI (today it is 1%).
4. Expansion of It Security
As cloud usage increases, so do the requirements for a secure cloud. The most important aspect is identity and data security. Corporate data in the cloud must be constantly secured and monitored to protect against misuse. But even the classic dangers such as phishing are not becoming less – quite the opposite. IT departments are warning about security issues with home office employees in particular. In addition to technical security mechanisms such as firewalls, encryption, VPN and anti-virus software, 2022 will see an increase in security training for the workforce, which will play a key role in preventing cyber attacks. In addition to Software as a Service, Workplace as a Service or Platform as a Service gibt es – yes indeed – Cybercrime as a Service. The professionalism and marketing of malware continue to increase. Hacker attacks can be commissioned, malware rented or credentials purchased. There is even technical support for these business models. In 2022, this market will grow significantly and companies will have to secure their technical infrastructure and, above all, sensitize and train employees for the topic.
