From the low impact of AI PCs to the double-edged promises of quantum computing, here are IT infrastructural shifts worth noting
This year, as businesses adapted to evolving technology, sustainability, and geopolitical pressures, the infrastructure landscape has been undergoing significant change.
Specifically, the infrastructure of technological development is no longer a generalized or limited set of homogeneous technologies. Rather, technological infrastructure has been evolving rapidly to serve business applications, scenarios, and use cases that enterprises need most.
According to market research and advisory firm Forrester, here are this year’s top infrastructure trends shaping the future of industries worldwide for 2025 and beyond.
- Sustainability reporting
Regulations such as California’s SB-261 and the EU’s CSRD mandate firms to measure and report their carbon footprints. Technology infrastructure, a substantial contributor to emissions, is under scrutiny. Some major IT brands now provide tools for sustainability tracking and management, while cloud giants are touting renewable energy adoption and offering carbon footprint measurement tools to customers. - AI infrastructure scarcity
The growing use of generative AI has exposed a shortage of specialized infrastructure comprising components such as graphics processing units and neural processing units. Firms aiming to train private AI models face supply chain delays. To address the demand, partnerships among hyperscalers, cloud providers, and chip manufacturers are emerging, although firms may need flexible strategies until supply catches up. - AI PCs
While AI PCs are expected to become the norm by 2030, mass adoption remains years away. Current consumer demand is low, with most AI applications not requiring dedicated AI hardware. The ecosystem for AI-specific software is still developing, which delays widespread implementation. - Geopolitics
Geopolitical tensions are reshaping the tech industry. Export bans, such as the US restrictions on NVIDIA GPUs, and China’s countermeasures with domestic processor production, highlight the fragmentation. Supply chain disruptions from events such as COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war further emphasize the need for diversified supplier strategies. - Quantum computing
After decades of development, quantum computing is beginning to show promise for applications in materials science and optimization. While widespread benefits remain a decade away, investments in quantum-safe encryption and incremental advancements are paving the way for transformative breakthroughs. - Satellite 5G coverage
Low Earth orbit satellites are bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas. While limited to basic functionalities like emergency texting, this technology is evolving. Satellite-enabled 5G networks promise broader coverage, although regulatory hurdles and infrastructure readiness remain challenges. - Distributed Cloud
The rise of distributed cloud models blurs the line between traditional cloud and edge computing. Hyperscalers and specialized providers are addressing the need for highly customized and distributed applications, offering new opportunities for workload optimization. - Cloud solutions
Enterprises favor hybrid deployments to integrate on-premises and public cloud systems, enhancing resilience and reducing vendor lock-in. While some vendors push hybrid solutions, others buck the trend by doubling down on private cloud offerings, creating a distinct market strategy. - SaaS network management
Software-as-a-Service cloud-based solutions are simplifying network management with user-friendly interfaces and AI-powered automation. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also deepens vendor lock-in, as firms integrate cloud-based solutions into their networking ecosystems. - Networking innovations
Modern networking emphasizes business outcomes over technical specs. Innovations such as Business-Optimized Networks and Zero Trust Edge streamline operations while accommodating IoT and wireless applications in diverse settings, from retail to hospitality.
According to the consultancy, these 10 curated trends underscore a future driven by sustainability, AI, and the need for adaptable infrastructure amid global challenges.
