The top 10 IT trends for 2020 (3) – Trend 2: Edge and 5G enable real-time IT locations

Two technologies will increasingly merge in 2020, pushing each other – edge computing and 5G campus networks. Both technologies have a common purpose, which is to combine on‑site compute power and/or high-speed and high-volume networks in order to create real-time IT locations where automation and the autonomy of complex systems become a reality. In addition, real-time capabilities are mission-critical where systems interact with workers and other people to exchange voice or visual instructions (e.g. AR). This trend will start mainly in complex campus areas around factories and logistics centers but will also include more and more other hot-spot locations such as airports, train stations, and ports in the future.

5G technology enables companies to set up campus networks on their own premises. In 2020, companies will start to set up new 5G campus networks on the basis of local frequencies or upgrade existing campus networks based on LTE to prepare for the digital future.

While cloud computing provides centralized data processing, edge computing allows some data processing directly at the edge of a network. This means computing power is provided as close as possible to the data source. This avoids latency and reduces network traffic. 5G and edge computing together are paving the way for data-intensive locations where things interact with each other in an increasingly automated way, and where systems guide people.

• Forecast for the European IT services market

The top 10 IT trends, which we believe will have the greatest impact in 2020:

• Platform-based industrial value networks will spread
• Edge and 5G enable real-time IT locations
• IT/OT integration leads to OT data platforms
• Enterprise applications move into the public cloud
• Next-gen app platforms embrace digital innovations
• AI-empowered business applications
• RPA and automation on the edge of AI
• Cloud-based services revolutionize application development and deployment
• Managed security services accompany the digital change
• Agile and DevOps boost flexibility