Forrester's 2024 tech forecast: AI innovation, software advancements, infrastructure disruptions, and sustainability shifts. (Getty Images)
As 2023 winds down, thoughts turn to the forthcoming year. Forrester has released its 2024 predictions for enterprise software, software development, and technology infrastructure, outlining expectations for the business tech landscape:
Enterprise Software
Forrester foresees a focus on innovation and faster adoption of enterprise software in 2024. The emphasis will be on cloud adoption, Generative AI (GenAI), ethical governance strategies, and deeper integration of business functions. The report predicts slow industry cloud growth, mainly due to high costs and lack of clear ROI.
While companies prioritize cost management amidst economic challenges, their uptake of industry-specific clouds remains sluggish due to cost barriers. Despite growing attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, Forrester predicts embedded sustainability efforts will fall short in making substantial CO2 reductions.
Regarding AI, the report highlights that GenAI commitments will drive firms to update their core systems. However, while AI enthusiasm grows, unless commitments extend beyond front-office operations, its impact on productivity and growth may remain limited.
Forrester's 2023 Priorities Survey indicates a majority of global business and tech professionals anticipate increased AI investments within their organizations.
Software Development
Forrester predicts the prominence of TuringBots in 2024, envisioning these AI-powered assistants revolutionizing the software development lifecycle (SDLC). TuringBots, known for their autonomous operation and AI interaction, are anticipated to boost SDLC productivity significantly. Organizations are expected to transition from experimenting with TuringBots to embedding them into their development processes.
The report forecasts that Backstage, an open platform for developer portals, will gain traction as the go-to framework. Notable companies like Mercedes-Benz and American Airlines have already invested in Backstage. Forrester anticipates its increased adoption among IT infrastructure teams for automating and showcasing infrastructure capabilities.
Additionally, enhancing developer experience will become a top investment priority to attract and retain talent in the competitive job market.
Technology Infrastructure
Forrester anticipates significant disruptions in technology infrastructure in 2024. One prediction suggests a 20% exodus of VMware enterprise customers due to discontent following Broadcom's acquisition. Dissatisfaction with increased prices and mandatory subscriptions to software bundles is prompting exploration of alternatives.
The report also focuses on satellite technology, expecting its dominance in rural and remote high-speed connectivity environments. With billions lacking internet access, satellites are poised to address this gap, especially in underserved areas.
Regarding data centers, Forrester predicts a shift where half of new data centers will adopt heat reuse practices. Driven by potential legislation promoting energy efficiency, data center builders are expected to invest in heat reuse technologies to reduce costs and meet carbon commitments.
Forrester's predictions offer a glimpse into a tech landscape marked by evolving enterprise software, the integration of AI assistants, infrastructure shifts, and sustainability-driven transformations in the coming year.
