Predictions for 2025
Insights and forecasts from Verizon Business thought leaders and subject matter experts worldwide.
Prepare for the future
Businesses hoping to thrive in 2025 will need to adapt to rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. Let’s take a look at Verizon Business’s predictions on key trends that will define the year ahead as well as insights into how organisations can respond to this changing landscape.
Decode your digital future
"It will be increasingly important to remove the friction points that come with complex IT systems, especially as enterprises take on massive data workloads for AI applications.”
In general, IT teams want to reach their desired outcomes quickly via easy-to-use self-service tools, seamless modularity and comprehensive network visibility. By integrating these items with more API-driven programmability and automation in their network, they’ll streamline the data processes that will underpin generative AI and other transformational technologies.
— Debika Bhattacharya
Chief Technology Solutions Officer, Verizon Business
"Data-driven applications will evolve, unlocking smarter, faster decisions across industries"
The digital landscape will be dominated by the relentless march of data-driven applications. The maturation of generative AI and other data-intensive technologies will not just drive this trend—it will redefine it, demanding robust and flexible infrastructure to support their ever-expanding capabilities.
— Tony Judd
Managing Director, Nordics, UK & Ireland, Verizon Business
"As more emerging technology comes to the forefront, businesses will realise that their old processes are no longer able to operate in today’s environment."
Rather than trying to retrofit old processes onto a new technology landscape, businesses should adopt new networks and encourage their people to think differently. Businesses where legacy systems remain a key investment will need to focus on creating digital overlays, allowing them greater freedom to adopt new technologies.
— Iris Meijer
Chief Product & Marketing Officer, Verizon Businesss
"Cloud computing is essential in IT, but without internal expertise, companies risk losing control. To mitigate this, precise planning, budgeting and excellent documentation are crucial."
Businesses will increasingly rely on external consultants for cloud computing expertise, risking loss of control and dependency. To mitigate this, they should limit partners, plan and budget precisely, and insist on excellent documentation. Cloud offers scalability and flexibility, but organisations remain responsible for data management and compliance.
— Uta Gross
Associate Director of Enterprise, Deutschland, Verizon Business
"The increasing reliance on AI technologies will have a substantial impact on both network infrastructure and energy consumption."
The growing demand for AI applications, particularly those that require real-time data processing and high-bandwidth communication (such as smart factories, ports and retail stores), will place a significant strain on existing network infrastructure. Enhancing the energy efficiency of AI is not only vital for environmental sustainability but also for the economic viability of AI applications, particularly in energy-constrained environments.
To address these challenges, we may see increased demand for edge computing, where data processing and analysis occur closer to the source of data generation.
— Sanjiv Gossain
Vice President & Head of EMEA, Verizon Business
"The rapid adoption of digital technologies will necessitate a focus on workforce upskilling and reskilling."
Advanced tools–including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)–will be instrumental in enhancing productivity and improving training programmes. Organisations that invest in developing their talent will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital age and maintain a competitive edge.
— Massimo Peselli
Chief Revenue Officer, Global Enterprise & Public Sector, Verizon Business
Cybersecurity
Secure your supply chain
"Robust supply chain security is not optional; it’s essential for safeguarding against software vulnerabilities."
With the rise in cyberattacks, businesses will need to safeguard themselves against security risks linked to software dependencies such as outdated components, supply chain attacks and more. Companies should establish strict controls, including regular audits and timely software updates.
— Ali Neil, Managing Director Advanced Solutions, Verizon Business
Implement zero trust
"The evolution of zero trust security will be driven by the pivotal role of identity, enhanced detection and response capabilities, and improved data management strategies."
By implementing continuous and pervasive identity verification, only authenticated and authorised users will be able to access resources amid the rapid rise of AI.
— Ashish Khanna, Managing Director for Security Consulting Services, Verizon Business
Protect against deep fakes
"Deep fake technology will quickly become the go-to tool for cybercriminals, blurring the line between reality and deception in phishing scams."
Deep fakes will become a major tool for cyberattacks as the technology becomes more accessible, with the crypto and fintech sectors particularly susceptible.
— Rob Le Busque, Vice President, APAC, Verizon Business
5G
High-performance networks
"In a 5G world, private networks will power the next era of connectivity."
Private 5G networks are a much better fit for the complexities of modern business, and companies should take advantage of this tailored, high-performance network to help reduce downtime and increase productivity.
— Sanjiv Gossain, Vice President & Head of EMEA, Verizon Business
Real-time payments
"5G's impact on financial services will be profound, enabling near-instantaneous settlement of transactions, improving liquidity and reducing risk."
5G’s enhanced security features will help to protect sensitive financial data and combat fraud, while faster speeds will enable seamless, feature-rich mobile banking apps, driving greater adoption and customer satisfaction.
— Tony Lutz, Global Practice Leader, Financial Services, Verizon Business
Safeguard connectivity
"5G will redefine connectivity, creating a seamless web that links businesses, people and devices. But with this incredible power comes the responsibility to safeguard it."
5G’s increased speed and interconnected nature will drive OT device adoption, but will heighten vulnerability, requiring security to protect data and operations.
— Ashish Khanna, Managing Director for Security Consulting Services, Verizon Business
IT infrastructure
Increase your agility
"Agility will continue to be a competitive advantage for organisations with the capacity for rapid adaptation."
In an era marked by economic volatility, businesses that can swiftly adapt to changing market conditions will thrive. Embracing flexible, as-a-service models will allow businesses to scale IT and infrastructure services, and promote sustained growth.
— Massimo Peselli, Chief Revenue Officer, Global Enterprise & Public Sector, Verizon Business
Leverage analytics
"The data surge fueled by AI will transform sales and customer acquisition, as companies leverage advanced analytics to personalise strategies and drive deeper customer connections."
Enterprises should move from public internet to private networks to handle increased data more reliably. This will, in turn, attract customers who prioritise data security and performance.
— Hannah Dauncey, EMEA Sales Director, Verizon Business
Explore edge computing
"Edge computing will become a cornerstone IT strategy that brings real commercial advantages — empowering real-time data processing and faster business decision-making."
This technology will be crucial for immediate insights and actions right where the data is generated, such as in a manufacturing plant. Edge computing can monitor equipment in real-time, helping to predict failures before they occur and reduce downtime.
— Dean Dennis, Managing Director of Global Solutions, Verizon Business
Industry trends
Transform retail
"Retail Media Networks (RMNs) will evolve dramatically, using data and technology to transform physical stores into personalised shopping experiences, while unlocking powerful advertising opportunities for brands."
Retailers and brands should deliver more personalised content, offers and advertisements to customers, using consumer preference and behaviour insights to continuously refine their approaches.
— James Hughes, Retail Chief Technology Officer, Verizon Business
Create a unified network
"Network automation is revolutionising just-in-time manufacturing by seamlessly integrating IoT, AI and digital tools to create smarter, faster and more responsive supply chains."
Manufacturers should adopt network automation to ensure that IoT devices, sensors and machines within the ecosystem are interconnected, creating a smart, unified network.
— Ralf Lauer, Managing Director, EU Central, Verizon Business
Frictionless experiences
"Frictionless technology will redefine the fan experience, from seamless access to cashless payments, making waiting in line a thing of the past."
The rise in advanced access control systems, cashless payments, and seamless food and beverage ordering should allow fans to spend more time enjoying the event and less time waiting in queues—all supported by robust connectivity solutions.
— Leighton Griffiths, Global Head of Stadiums, Venues, Media & Entertainment, Verizon Business
Soluciones
Red como servicio
Revolutionise your organisation by delivering dynamic applications and services while enabling advanced technologies.
Secure your organisation
Move from risk aversion to risk confidence with a partner you can trust.
Red privada 5G
Help your company succeed in a hyper-connected environment using an advanced network: Private 5G.