Today’s modern business landscape is rapidly changing, and managed IT services play a critical role in this evolution. But, as technology continues to integrate into everyday operations, the complexity of managed IT does as well.
To help you better understand this landscape and position your organization for success, let’s explore the top information technology (IT) trends of 2024.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services refer to the delegation of IT operations and tasks to third-party providers who specialize in maintaining, improving, and overseeing a range of IT processes for businesses. This includes key IT service segments:
- Cloud services
- Remote help desk
- Network monitoring
- Application maintenance
- Server and desktop management
- Device life cycle asset management
When businesses employ managed IT services, they can free up internal resources and people power toward more critical tasks while becoming more proactive toward IT management rather than reactive. This is especially powerful for cybersecurity efforts, where proactive measures are essential for safety and compliance.
Top Managed IT Trends for 2024
As digital transformation efforts take center stage, it’s critical for businesses to keep a keen eye on the top trends in IT to stay ahead.
1. Rising Popularity of Cloud Services
While cloud computing is certainly nothing new to the world of managed IT, it’s set to dominate and become a top IT trend for 2024. The pull toward cloud services emerges from the need for flexible, scalable, and remotely accessible infrastructure.
As businesses migrate from traditional IT infrastructure, they’re expected to lean more heavily on cloud solutions for data storage, collaboration tools, and business applications. Worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services was expected to grow 21.7% in 2023. Matching the pace of adoption isn’t a choice but a matter of survival for most businesses.
However, the simplicity of the cloud and how managed cloud services handle data security, integration, and hybrid workflows make it an invaluable resource for any organization to explore and master.
2. Advanced Cybersecurity Approaches to Support Remote Work
With the boundaries of business operations expanding past physical office walls, traditional cybersecurity defense mechanisms will become inefficient. This year will bring more robust, dynamic, and proactive cybersecurity strategies.
These approaches will focus on securing endpoints like mobile devices to counter the blurring of boundaries between personal and professional devices. In 2019, around 68% of surveyed organizations were victims of an endpoint security attack.
Managed IT services will prioritize holistic security solutions that encompass not just reactionary measures but predictive threat intelligence. To support the future of remote and hybrid work, businesses need to approach cybersecurity comprehensively, with both reactive and proactive strategies.
3. Changes in Customer Experience and Technology
Customer experience (CX) is the cornerstone of modern business, and technology plays a pivotal role in shaping these experiences. Take the average customer journey. In 2016, the average customer would use five channels; in 2021, that number increased to ten. Omnichannel is the new reality — and businesses need robust IT infrastructure to support this new era.
One of the top IT trends in 2024, CX will be even more intertwined with technological advancements. This will result in real-time customer feedback loops, AI-driven customer insights, and chatbots that offer instant support.
As customers demand a more seamless experience, businesses will need to integrate more advanced tooling and infrastructure. The result will be more consistency and responsiveness across all touchpoints and digital channels.
4. AI, ML, and Other Advanced Technology Integration
2024 will see the further integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in managed IT services. These features will inevitably improve service delivery and efficiency. But, as the data influx continues to grow, businesses will need to employ and develop advanced tools for analysis and interpretation to harness the power of this data.
AI and ML will help automate routine tasks. From predicting market trends and personalizing customer experiences to automating approvals and customizing workflows for service requests, these technologies will quickly become a standard element of managed IT services.
Additionally, cybersecurity will significantly benefit from this kind of integration and automation. AI and ML will enhance incident management by proactively predicting and preventing potential issues and mitigating the risk of disruptions and downtime. Businesses should be exploring these types of integrations and working with service providers that are at the forefront of these advancements.
5. Development of Advanced Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions
IoT has quickly become an integral part of business IT strategies — and its importance will only intensify in the years to come. With more and more devices connected daily, the IoT landscape will offer smarter solutions for businesses. Currently, there are around 13.2 billion connected IoT devices, with that number estimated to eclipse 34.7 billion in 2028.
These devices range in application from enhanced supply chain management systems to innovative customer engagement tools. Managed IT will focus not just on connecting these devices but also on ensuring they work in harmony, generating actionable insights for businesses.
Businesses need to approach IoT with cautious optimism. While it will bring profound changes, there are enhanced security risks with additional endpoints, hefty upfront investments, and the problem of integrating these devices into existing infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Fostering Progress in 2024
While the world of managed IT is in constant flux, keeping tabs on these trends can help your organization stay ahead of the pack. The symbiosis of business and technology will undoubtedly deepen, opening up new opportunities and presenting novel challenges. By partnering with a seasoned managed IT service provider, businesses can seamlessly navigate these trends and find solid footing in 2024 and beyond.
