As your organization heads into the new year looking for any competitive advantage, it makes sense to learn about the most important technology trends. By gaining a better understanding of these significant trends, your company will be better positioned to overcome challenges and succeed in 2025.
AI tools will become more widespread and affordable
Because of advancements in hardware technology and cloud computing, AI tools will become even more common and affordable this year. A recent survey by the SMB Group revealed that 2/3 of small business owners reported AI having a modest to very big impact on their businesses with 3/4 predicting even better results in the future. Because of the reduced cost of more powerful AI tools, small businesses will be able to make even greater use of them.
AI maturity has become the norm throughout businesses of all types with useful tools and functions such as chatbots, creative content assistance, personalized streaming recommendations, advanced search, and automated meeting notes. AI tools also help organizations be more efficient by automating mundane tasks and speeding up the decision-making process. There will also be more powerful and affordable AI tools available to perform “Agentic AI.” These tools plan and act autonomously to achieve goals set by the user.
Organizations will continue to reap more benefits from AI as it will not only mimic or pull from existing concepts and information, but it will also more effectively create and improve designs and products.
Private and public institutions will also continue to improve AI governance platforms through technology. New solutions will allow organizations to better manage the legal, ethical, and operational performance of their AI tools.
The growth of remote work will require improved collaboration technology
In 2025 the continued acceptance and growth of remote and hybrid work options will require improved collaboration and communication technology. Small businesses and nonprofits will continue to embrace the benefits of remote work including reduced infrastructure costs, access to a global talent pool, and the ability to offer 24/7 services to customers around the world.
To utilize these remote work benefits effectively, organizations will need to prioritize the adoption and utilization of advanced digital tools and platforms to optimally manage and perform their various business activities. 72% of companies in a recent Zoom survey reported that they needed new tools to support their remote work activities.
Technology companies have responded to this demand by producing more advanced and effective videoconferencing, team chat, and project management tools for small businesses and this trend will accelerate during the year.
AI-driven cybersecurity will become even more important
In 2025 the cybersecurity threat to small businesses and nonprofit organizations will continue to grow. Bad actors will increasingly target small businesses and nonprofits because of their more limited resources and cyber defenses in comparison to larger companies.
Advances in AI technology have made it easier for cybercriminals to launch a greater amount of advanced cyberattacks, while also making it possible for companies to better protect themselves. This heated battle will continue into the near future making knowledge and adoption of the latest AI-powered cybersecurity tools a top priority. Small businesses will need to use these powerful AI-based tools to improve their threat detection capabilities and automate effective and timely responses to the increased amount of complex cyberattacks.
Quantum computing use will rise
Quantum computing will move from mostly a theory to utilization for small businesses in 2025. This type of computing uses the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most powerful supercomputers can’t manage efficiently.
Infotech reported that 33% of companies in the media, telecom, and technology unique sectors have invested meaningfully in quantum computing with the public sector actively embracing it as well. A key reason for the predicted growth of quantum computing comes from the development of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which protects sensitive data from the security risks associated with quantum computing.
Technology experts predict that quantum computing will become a $1.3 trillion industry by 2035.
Cloud contact centers will become more popular
Cloud contact centers are enabling small businesses to improve communications with their customers for a reduced cost. These centers use cloud computing and the internet to enable businesses to manage their customer interactions effectively.
Cloud contact centers are an inexpensive alternative to traditional call centers and are easily scalable for growing companies. These centers provide all the benefits of an on-premises call center along with advanced features such as call routing, call recording, performance analytics, and integrations with your desired CRM software and other applications. Cloud contact centers also provide communication services across email and social media channels.
In addition, cloud call center agents will have the flexibility and other benefits of remote work. These centers will also allow small businesses to have advanced communications capabilities with reduced infrastructure and technology expenses.
Human-machine synergy will continue to advance
Human beings and machines will become more synergistic in 2025. This connection is seen in the rise of spatial computing, where augmented and virtual reality digitally enhances the physical world in simulations and other immersive experiences. This technology is increasingly in demand in the entertainment industry for life-like gaming experiences. It also provides enhanced interactions in the education and e-commerce sectors. Advanced visualization tools for decision-making and productivity are also in high demand in the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
There is also a growing trend of more widespread and advanced neurological enhancement technology that interfaces directly with the human brain to improve cognitive abilities. These different types of human-machine connections provide benefits, but they also have raised data privacy and security concerns as well as ethical issues related to altering the user’s reality.
Consult With a Trusted IT Support Partner
To assist you in understanding and exploiting these six key IT trends, we strongly recommend you work with an experienced IT Support partner like Network Depot.
A trusted IT MSP partner will have the experience and insight into your organization’s unique needs to help you most effectively understand the technological challenges you will face this year and beyond.
In addition to providing insight into these IT trends, your IT partner will offer valuable recommendations on the latest and most effective hardware and software tools, IT security applications, and other materials, methods, and equipment, which will be beneficial for your small business. By understanding and responding to the technology trends described in this article and with the assistance of a dependable IT Support partner, your organization will be well-positioned for a successful 2025.