Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 25 | Page 32

business ‘‘ TALKING //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// the technology sector. New start-ups will emerge to tackle the bigger challenges that make AI a reality: data management and federated analytics where insights can be driven from virtually everywhere, and data compliance solutions for a safer, smarter way to deliver amazing outcomes. Data forecast will call for more clouds Previously, we predicted the arrival of the Mega Cloud – a variety of clouds that make up a powerhouse operating model as IT strategies require both public and private clouds. So far that’s holding true. The public verses private cloud debate will continue to wane as organisations realise that they need to effectively manage all the different types of data they’ll be processing. A recent IDC survey pointed to more than 80% of respondents repatriating data back to on-premise private clouds – and we can expect that trend to continue, even with projections for public cloud growth. Multi-cloud environments will drive Automation, AI and ML processing into high gear because they give organisations the ability to manage, move and process data where and when they need to. In fact, we’ll see more clouds pop up as data becomes increasingly distributed – at the edge in autonomous car environments or in smart factories, in cloud-native apps, in protected 32 INTELLIGENTCIO on-prem centres to meet a host of new compliance and privacy standards and, of course, the public cloud for a variety of apps and services that we use every day. 5G will have us living on the edge The first 5G devices are slated to hit the market sometime this year with the much- anticipated next-generation network that promises to completely change the data game in terms of speed and accessibility. Low-latency, high-bandwidth networks mean more connected things, cars and systems – and a boat load of AI, Machine Learning and compute happening at the edge, because that’s where all the data will be generated. It won’t be long before we begin to see micro-hubs lining our streets – mini datacentres if you will – that will also give rise to new ‘smart’ opportunities for real- time insights happening on the corner of your street. Cities and towns will become more connected than ever, paving the way for Smart Cities and digital infrastructure that we predict will be thriving in 2030. And it’ll be a game changer for industries like healthcare or manufacturing, where data and information being generated out in the field can be quickly processed and analysed in real time – versus having to travel back and forth to a cloud – and then readily shared with those who need it. No more weak links or waste: Supply chains will get stronger, smarter and greener Believing in the many advantages to running a sustainable business, organisations will follow our lead and begin to accelerate ways to design waste out of their business models through new innovation in recycling and closed loop practices. To help, we at Dell are sharing our blueprint for turning ocean bound plastics into recycled packaging and turning soot from diesel generator exhaust fumes into ink for printing on boxes. We’ll see advances in supply chain traceability, by scrutinising and harnessing emerging technologies to identify precise opportunities to course correct. Blockchain will likely play a role as well, to ensure trust and safety in sourcing, while also securing information and data about goods and services along the way. There’s never been a better time for technology – with innovation in 5G, AI and Machine Learning, cloud and Blockchain throttling full steam ahead. I’m willing to bet that we’ll make great use of those 44 zettabytes of data in 2020. Riding full speed into the Data Era in 2019, we’ll unlock the power of data in ways never imagined before, transforming everyday business and everyday life. n www.intelligentcio.com