Tech trends: AI, metaverse, cloud, analytics and zero trust

BearingPoint surveyed over 1200 technology consultants on tech trends 2023

According to the participants, artificial intelligence (AI) is still the top trend, just with a different focus than the year before. Metaverse is a new addition to the list of top trends this year - this trend is also seen as playing an important role in making companies more sustainable. Embedded data and analytics ranked fourth for the second year in a row. Stefan Pechardscheck, global head of technology at BearingPoint, says: "Our new technology trends provide answers to the most pressing challenges facing businesses. Our top 5 technology trends for 2023 are real gamechangers."

Generative AI

Generative AI is a broad term that describes any type of artificial intelligence that uses learning algorithms to generate new digital objects such as images, videos, audio, text, and code. The purpose of a generative AI model is to generate synthetic data and train the model to make inferences about the most relevant training data. Generative AI is also used experimentally in manufacturing as a tool for rapid prototyping and in business to improve data augmentation for process automation (RPA).

Metaverse

The Metaverse blurs the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, between actual and virtual reality - a network of 3D virtual worlds where VR and AR headsets enable social connections. The Metaverse is a persistent, living digital universe that offers individuals a sense of agency, social presence, shared spatial awareness, and the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive virtual economy with profound social impact. In addition, the Metaverse can help with ecological transformation by reducing CO₂ emissions.

Cloudnative platforms

As most public and private organizations have migrated their legacy information systems to the cloud using the 6R (Rehost, Replatform, Repurchase, Rearchitecting, Retire and Retain) model, development teams are now using cloud frameworks and platforms to develop new applications. This new approach to product development is driven by traditional cloud promises such as accelerated product development cycles and scalable managed services.

Embedded Data and Analytics

Successful companies take a holistic approach and continuously incorporate data and analytics into their business. They also keep an eye on new trends and adapt accordingly. However, they always move along a roadmap with initiatives and use cases that lead them to their goals. Companies need to define and prioritize actionable use cases and work with a holistic plan.

Zero Trust at Scale

Enterprises increasingly operate in complex business ecosystems. These require connections to IT resources of a multitude of users from different organizations, connecting from any location and from any device. All of this is happening against a backdrop of an explosion in cyber threats that necessitates the promotion of Zero Trust as a core architectural principle.