Business Connectivity Trends 2024: Connected’s Growth Predictions

Here at Connected Networks, we have been compiling our 2024 business connectivity trends to help you navigate the evolving world of global connectivity.

Before we look ahead to the next 12 months though, let’s review a transformative 2023 – a year characterised by the relentless push towards digitalisation, largely influenced by evolving business needs and the global economic landscape.

Last year the digital connectivity landscape saw unprecedented growth, driven by a surge in remote work, the burgeoning demand for cloud services and the widespread adoption of IoT. Businesses across the globe rapidly embraced digital transformation, with statistics indicating a substantial increase of 35% in cloud infrastructure spending.

2023 also saw a significant uptick in mobile data usage, with reports suggesting a 40% increase compared to 2022. This spike was fuelled by the expanding mobile workforce and the proliferation of mobile applications in the business environment. Additionally, the global IoT market grew exponentially, with an estimated 30 billion IoT connections.

The rising tide of digitalisation also brought cybersecurity to the fore. In response to escalating threats (following a 25% increase in cyber-attacks on businesses) there was a marked shift in IT spending towards security solutions, underscoring the need for robust and secure connectivity frameworks.

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SASE: A Forefront Trend In 2024

That’s why Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is poised to dominate the connectivity discourse in 2024. SASE, which integrates network security functions with wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities, is rapidly becoming an indispensable element for businesses seeking secure, streamlined and scalable connectivity.

This trend is driven by an increasing need for security in a dispersed and digitally transformed corporate environment. SASE’s appeal lies in its ability to offer comprehensive, cloud-native network protection, which is essential in a landscape where threats are becoming more sophisticated.

This integrated approach to managing network and security services through cloud-native architectures addresses the increasing complexity of modern business environments. As businesses continue to embrace the cloud and support a more distributed workforce, the need for a unified, secure and agile network architecture becomes paramount.

Key drivers for SASE growth in 2024 include

• Enhanced Security Needs: With the expansion of remote work and cloud services, businesses demand more secure access to resources. SASE’s ability to provide end-to-end encryption and identity-based security irrespective of user location is crucial.
  

• Cloud Adoption: As companies like Cato Networks show, the integration of WAN capabilities with network security, tailored to cloud environments, is essential for seamless operations.
  

• Operational Efficiency: SASE simplifies network architecture, reducing the complexity and cost associated with maintaining multiple security solutions.
  

• Regulatory Compliance: With increasing data protection regulations, SASE offers a streamlined approach to compliance by integrating security directly into the network.

On-Demand Connectivity: The Agile Backbone of Modern Enterprises

This year, on-demand connectivity is going to be another key trend. On-demand is flexibility, scalability, cost-effective and allows businesses to adapt to changing demands swiftly.

The transition from single-cloud to multi-cloud strategies, with a focus on cloud-native technologies and AI, will further underscore the importance of on-demand services. Businesses are increasingly seeking solutions that can seamlessly integrate with various cloud environments, ensuring uninterrupted, efficient and secure operations.

This shift provides businesses with the ability to rapidly scale their network resources in response to changing demands and is being driven by companies like Colt Technology Services.

Key areas driving the growth of on-demand connectivity in 2024 include:

• Digital Transformation: As businesses continue their digital journey, the need for flexible, scalable networking solutions becomes critical. On-demand connectivity means businesses can quickly adapt to new requirements.
  

• Multi-Cloud Strategies: The evolution from single-cloud to multi-cloud environments necessitates a more dynamic connectivity approach. On-demand solutions provide the agility needed to navigate complex cloud architectures effectively.
  

• Cost Management: In a fluctuating economic landscape, the ability to control costs by paying only for the network resources used is highly attractive.
  

• AI and Automation: The integration of AI and automation in network management, as seen in Colt’s recent developments, enhances the efficiency and responsiveness of on-demand connectivity.

OTHER EMERGING BUSINESS CONNECTIVITY TRENDS IN 2024

• API and Network Exposure: Enhanced programmability and automation in service infrastructures will unlock new business opportunities. API-based network exposure will be a game changer, allowing businesses to develop and integrate diverse services.
  

• Generative AI (GenAI): With its ability to create new contextual content, GenAI will revolutionise customer experiences, service definitions and billing models but challenges in data privacy and AI model accuracy will need careful navigation.
  

• AIOps and NetOps: The intersection of AI with IT operations (AIOps) and network operations (NetOps) will redefine performance monitoring and network management. This will lead to more efficient, cost-effective and customer-centric network infrastructures.
  

• Environmental Sustainability in Data Centres: The focus on energy efficiency and heat reuse in data centres will become a significant consideration, driven by global sustainability efforts and legislative changes.

BUSINESS TRENDS 2024: NAVIGATING THE FUTURE

The business landscape in 2024 will be dynamic, innovative and more complex. Navigating this terrain requires a partner that understands these intricacies and can offer tailored solutions aligned with your business objectives.

Connected Network’s cutting-edge connectivity solutions are secure, scalable and bespoke. Whether you’re transitioning to SASE, seeking flexible on-demand connectivity or exploring new opportunities through API exposure and AI, Connected Networks is ready to help.

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