Expect to see “edge computing” becoming more of a dominant aspect of the technology and digital industry. “Edge computing” is a computer-distributing concept in which computation and data storage is located closer to where the data is needed. It enhances response times and saves on bandwidth. Still, cloud computing and artificial intelligence will be the most popular digital technologies in 2020 and beyond.

Expect partnerships to continue to be essential in the field. Look for more companies to adopt hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.

The hybrid cloud will serve as a temporary alternative in the process of digital transformation.  Due to a number of factors including a reliance on legacy systems and the need to comply with corporate regulations, many companies will choose to utilize both private and public clouds. Gartner predicts that in 2020, as many as 90 percent of companies will have a hybrid infrastructure management system.

More companies are turning to multi-cloud solutions that group cloud services among a multitude of providers.

Many companies will hold doubts of utilizing public cloud solutions because of security issues.

Expect cloud security providers to offer a greater security capability than other businesses could. As a result, hybrid cloud solutions are becoming the favored cloud-based security solution.

The cloud will also provide the best method for companies to gain accessibility to artificial intelligence.  Although a fairly new technology, AI has already become a critical aspect of a successful business.

As a result, more companies are investing in AI. As many as 51 percent of respondents to one survey said that they have increased their AI investments by 10 percent or more in 2019. Eighty percent of that group has boasted that their AI investments have already established a substantial return on investment.

Watch for technology companies to provide new alternatives including security-as-a-service, data-as-a-service, and device-as-a-service to assist businesses in delivering anything as a service (XaaS). The service will provide even more customization for businesses.