Gartner: Top trends to know for infrastructure and operations in 2023

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, key trends are poised to significantly impact enterprise infrastructure and operations (I&O) activities in 2023. During Gartner’s IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference, experts unveiled six core trends that will shape the tech landscape. Let’s delve into these trends, exploring their relevance and potential impact, and considering their alignment with the dynamic tech environment of the UAE and Dubai.

1. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Gains Momentum

• SASE, a term coined by Gartner, is expected to witness substantial growth in the upcoming year. The surge in adoption is attributed to the acceleration of hybrid work models and cloud migration.
• In the UAE, where rapid digitization and remote work are gaining traction, SASE presents an opportunity to bolster cybersecurity and streamline remote access.
• Gartner forecasts global SASE spending to reach $9.2 billion in 2023, reflecting a 39% increase from 2022.

2. Wireless Technologies Lead the Connectivity Revolution

• Infrastructure and operations teams are urged to embrace a variety of wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, 5G, Bluetooth, and high-frequency options.
• The overlapping capabilities of these wireless technologies open doors for innovation in the UAE’s smart cities and IoT initiatives.
• The UAE’s ambitions for connectivity innovation resonate with Gartner’s prediction that 60% of enterprises will employ five or more wireless technologies concurrently by 2025.

3. Integration of Industry-Specific Cloud Platforms

• Industry cloud platforms, combining software as-a-service (SaaS), platform as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure as-a-service (IaaS), will continue to be integrated by I&O teams to develop tailored solutions.
• The UAE’s penchant for innovation can be aligned with the utilization of industry cloud platforms to drive agile, industry-specific digital initiatives.
• Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than half of enterprises will rely on industry cloud platforms to accelerate business goals.

4. The Rise of Platform Engineering

• Platform engineering involves integrating management tools and infrastructure components like application resource management, performance monitoring, and digital-experience monitoring.
• The trend empowers user-driven, self-service infrastructure deployments, amplifying I&O agility and efficiency.
• In the UAE’s tech landscape, where rapid innovation is pivotal, platform engineering aligns with Dubai’s goal of becoming a global tech hub.

5. Competition for Skills and Skill Development

• The growing demand for specialized skills in platform engineering, SASE, wireless technologies, and more presents a challenge for I&O teams.
• The UAE’s drive to nurture local talent harmonizes with the need for skill development and bridges the talent gap.
• Gartner’s emphasis on innovative training approaches finds resonance in Dubai’s pursuit of excellence in the tech workforce.

6. Sustainable Technology as a Business Imperative

• Environmental, social, governance (ESG), and economic considerations are increasingly influencing tech investment decisions.
• The UAE’s commitment to sustainability and the UAE Vision 2021 align with Gartner’s prediction that 87% of business leaders plan to increase investment in sustainability.
• I&O teams can contribute to the UAE’s sustainability objectives by optimizing existing technology and enhancing infrastructure efficiency.

Adapting to Future Tech Trends in the UAE

As Gartner’s insights underscore, the landscape of enterprise infrastructure and operations is evolving rapidly. The trends outlined have direct implications for the UAE’s technology aspirations. By strategically incorporating SASE, embracing diverse wireless technologies, harnessing industry-specific cloud platforms, and prioritizing sustainable technology, the UAE can position itself as a frontrunner in the global technology landscape. With a focus on skill development and strategic planning, the UAE’s tech future shines brighter than ever.