By : Mohammed Amin,

Senior Vice President, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East, Turkey,

Africa (CEEMETA) Dell Technologies.

From integrating AI in everyday business operations to the

fortification of cybersecurity measures, the past year showcased

technology's efficiency and resilience. In 2023, terms like GenAI,

cybersecurity, data, and multi-cloud seamlessly integrated into our

daily conversations, setting the stage for an even more dynamic 2024.

As the welcome of the New Year, let's look at the top five technology

trends that promise to elevate how organizations operate, collaborate,

and deliver value to their customers.

1. GenAI will move from a theoretical concept to a tangible and easily

accessible reality

In the last 18 months, while GenAI sparked innovative ideas for

reshaping the world around us, the practical implementation of scaled

GenAI initiatives has been limited. As we transition into 2024, the

first wave of GenAI enterprise projects is expected to mature,

unveiling crucial aspects of the technology that were not fully

grasped in the early stages. Looking ahead, GenAI outcomes will become

more accessible and gain greater adoption and scale across

organizations and verticals. Decision-makers will shift from broad

experimentation to a focused strategy involving select GenAI projects

with genuine transformative potential. McKinsey estimates that GenAI

could add between $2.6-$4.4 trillion to the global economy annually.

Quantum computing will also play a pivotal role in addressing the

extreme computing demands of GenAI, helping usher in a new era where

AI tasks are distributed across a diverse set of computing

architectures, including quantum processing units.

2. Zero Trust will gain the number one spot

As AI becomes more accessible and data processing shifts to the edge,

the expanded threat surface will heighten the need for a real Zero

Trust architecture for businesses of all sizes. In 2024, Zero Trust

will evolve from a buzzword to a real technology with real standards.

Organizations will embed the Zero Trust philosophy within their

business culture and make concerted efforts to uphold a good cyber

resilience posture across their operations. Across the region, Zero

Trust will mature to have defined parameters and certifications and

become the default benchmark that organizations move towards.

3. Edge will be a strategic business ally

Edge computing will continue its astronomical growth and will no

longer be a technological bystander but a strategic ally, enabling

faster processing times, reduced latency, and enhanced efficiency. As

businesses extract value from data and unlock new transformative

opportunities, the edge will play a crucial role in building new use

cases and capabilities across many industries. For instance, the

unprecedented rise of edge will be an early precursor to 6G. Expected

to go mainstream by 2030, the synergy between Edge and 6G will support

the demanding requirements of future technologies.

4. PCs will get more intuitive

The PC will continue to evolve and become more sophisticated and

powerful. AI will bring to life many features, such as non-text-based

prompts for a two-way experience between humans and PCs. It will offer

an engaging and collaborative experience, allowing users to co-create

with voice, gestures, and visual commands, delivering on the promise

of digital assistants. Tomorrow's PCs will be equipped with AI-driven

features such as advanced voice recognition, natural language

processing, and intelligent automation to interpret our moods, facial

expressions, tone of voice, or even a change in how one types for a

much richer experience.

5. Future innovations will be purpose-driven and sustainable

New advancements in technology will be guided by a clear sense of

purpose. Future innovations will prioritize sustainability,

prioritizing environmental, social, and economic impact. Organizations

will diligently scrutinize every facet of its business processes,

encompassing R&D, product design, and the entire product lifecycle to

minimize emissions, reduce environmental waste, and diminish the

carbon footprint — all while optimizing operational efficiency. Across

the CEEMETA region, we see this in practice already. Across the

CEEMETA region, we see this in practice already. For example, Egypt

has set a clear pillar in its Vision 2030 which prioritizes mitigating

the consequences of climate change through an integrated and

sustainable environmental system that promotes resilience. In

addition, the emergence of smart cities across the Nation, is focused

on using renewable energy and smart technology, that feature the

newest architecture, built through sustainable and green

infrastructure.

2024 promises to be a catalyst for unparalleled opportunities,

technological excellence, and growth. As we embrace these digital

shifts, we have the chance to influence and foster the evolution of a

modern sustainable business. Let's not merely adapt; let's shape the

narrative, set the pace, and craft a future where we equip each other

to thrive in tomorrow's digital realm. This transformational journey

has already begun, and the time for visionary leadership is now.  Are

you ready to redefine the future?