2024 predictions: What new experiences can we expect from AI, networks and more?
2024 predictions: What new experiences can we expect from AI, networks and more?
Step into the future with technology predictions from some of our visionary Amdocs leaders.
This compilation of predictions revolves around the pivotal trends shaping the realms of artificial intelligence, networks, 5G, and cloud computing, helping you plan for the year ahead.
Gil Rosen
Chief Marketing Officer, Amdocs
"2024 will be the beginning of a transformative era for global communications service providers."
Telecom providers to witness a revolutionary era in 2024
With the rise of GenAI within the telecom industry, 2024 will be the beginning of a transformative era for global communications service providers. The integration of carrier-grade architecture and large language AI models is poised to enhance business agility, operational efficiency, and customer experiences, allowing for quick adoption of new practices, applications and models and accelerating time to market and improving service quality. I anticipate these types of frameworks will revolutionize the telecom ecosystem, offering generative AI use cases from customer experience to network provisioning and contributing to increased efficiencies and productivity in the industry.
Steve Ellis
General Manager, Amdocs Cloud Division
"In 2024, communications service providers (CSPs) will face the most challenging cloud obstacle of all – modernization."
AI will drive the shift to modernizing the cloud
In 2024, communications service providers (CSPs) will face the most challenging cloud obstacle of all – modernization.
Most CSPs are well into their cloud migration journey, meaning the easy part is behind them. This upcoming year, CSPs will need to focus on moving mission-critical core systems to the cloud to level up offerings that will support new demands.
Digital experiences enabled by emerging technologies including generative AI, mixed-reality (MR), and 5G are causing expectations to evolve and CSPs need to remain innovative amid this shift. In fact, research from Amdocs found users are looking for immersive technologies like augmented reality and MR to be integrated into areas like gaming.
Placing investments toward building a path to take core systems to the cloud, will equip CSPs to reap the full benefits of the cloud instead of just dipping in their toes. Cloud modernization will also unlock the potential for enhanced AI-driven solutions, allowing CSPs to create new services and further support the rise in digital expectations.
Ana Redondo
Product Strategy Lead, Amdocs Networks
"As this equilibrium settles, hyperscalers will extend Edge capabilities that currently reside in the Cloud. The tantalizing question remains: which Edge will reign supreme?"
The unstoppable ascent of enterprise data analytics
As the private network world matured, the chatter around 5G, enhanced Wi-Fi, killer apps, and complex integrations seemed to dominate the discourse. The turbulence of teething issues is finally subsiding, and the industry is metamorphosing. Enterprises are shifting their focus from the question of "Why do I want this?" to the more profound "How do I leverage this?" This shift in mindset is a harbinger of a forthcoming data revolution. The reservoirs of data, flowing from legacy and next-gen operational technology systems, combined with the troves from the Edge and Network, promise a mother lode of insights. When mined skillfully, this data becomes the golden key to elevate enterprise competitiveness to unprecedented heights.
Network-driven transformation becomes increasingly necessary
Beyond the data realm, another dimension of transformation awaits through operational technology systems leveraging the full spectrum of network capabilities via network exposure. Although it's a ground-up journey with initial challenges such as ROI and integrations, the lessons from NaaS, private networks, and Edge/Cloud developments will serve as accelerants. The path to maturity is poised to accelerate, reshaping industries and redefining possibilities.
The resolution of the cloud-edge conundrum
Predictions surrounding the domicile of enterprise data have been a rollercoaster ride, oscillating between the Edge and the Cloud. The Edge initially gained the upper hand due to latency and security concerns, but the Cloud reasserted itself as latency improved. Cloud costs surged, and hyperscalers harnessed the Edge's potential, causing predictions to swing back towards the Edge. We firmly believe that the Cloud-Edge battle is about to find resolution, akin to the Mobile Core Control/Data plane separation. The Cloud, as the Control Plane, will host a multitude of applications and bulk data, while the Edge transforms into the Data Plane, catering to data primed for AI and Analytics. As this equilibrium settles, hyperscalers will extend Edge capabilities that currently reside in the Cloud. The tantalizing question remains: which Edge will reign supreme?
Satellite technology's meteoric ascent
The convergence of cellular and satellite technologies, epitomized by the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, is advancing at warp speed. It's a story we predicted years ago, foreseeing a transformation not only in technology but in global economics. Surprisingly, swift tests of successful integrations, such as VF and AST Mobile's transcontinental call and blazing 14 Mbps download speeds using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22, have left us astounded. If this pace of development continues unabated, the commercial offers that could revolutionize connectivity may materialize sooner than anyone expected.
Victoria Myers
Global Head of Talent Attraction
"Hiring managers and HR leaders will prioritize using technologies like AI to enhance employee experience."
Talent retention will rely on workplace growth opportunities
In 2024, we’re going to see a strong shift in how organizations approach talent retention. Emerging technologies like AI haven’t just revolutionized the workplace, they’ve also transformed employees’ expectations around work experiences.
Modern employees are looking for more than just competitive compensation and good culture, in fact 85% of full-time workers view growth and talent mobility as top priorities according to Amdocs research. Employees are also looking to their employers for opportunities to leverage new technologies, with 66% of workers wanting their employers to offer AI solutions.
Hiring managers and HR leaders will prioritize using technologies like AI to enhance employee experience. There will also be a strong emphasis on empowering employees to use these technologies to develop new skills.
Avishai Sharlin
General Manager, Amdocs Technology
"Get ready for AI CoPilots to become your indispensable companions."
AI’s further awakening will redefine the tech landscape
Generative AI is reaching its full potential, as vendors rush to integrate GenAI into their applications. Open-source language models are propelling a wave of innovation, and the impending release of ChatGPT 5 promises to disrupt the status quo. However, a new contender has emerged: Elon Musk's x.AI, poised to challenge the existing language model hierarchy. Simultaneously, Europe is tightening its grip on AI regulation with the rise of sovereign cloud solutions, sending ripples across the globe and impacting non-European providers. Get ready for AI CoPilots to become your indispensable companions.
Cloud computing's quantum leap
As 2024 unfolds, we stand on the brink of a cloud computing transformation. The convergence of AI and computing power is making Digital Twins a reality, unlocking unprecedented capabilities for simulation and real-time data analysis. Specialized functional clouds are emerging, tailored for tasks such as AI and GenAI training. Intel and AMD's Confidential Computing-enabled processors are becoming as affordable as their traditional counterparts.
Finally, enter a new era of cloud interaction with GenAI integration at the OPS/ADMIN level, allowing you to converse with public cloud consoles in plain English and issue complex commands effortlessly.
Data fabrics adoption
The adoption of ML and AI-enabled Data Fabrics is driven by the explosion and complexity of data. Data Fabrics will be essential in an Industry v4.0 future, with adoption targeted for 2024 and beyond to handle the required data complexity, management, and automation. Utilizing Data Fabrics will make it easier to enforce GDPR compliance, data masking, and other measures. By 2024, 25% of data management vendors are expected to provide a complete framework for data fabric, up from 5% today (Gartner).
NaaS unleashed: A pioneering breakthrough transforms the networking landscape
NaaS (Network as a Service), deployed and pioneered by Verizon, is expected to become a valuable solution. Highly optimized, low-voltage, and energy-efficient servers will provide an internal cloud with the entire networking stack and gear, along with 5G connectivity that is fully MOBILE. This will enable telecoms to quickly deploy such solutions at massive events anywhere.
Igniting the quantum computing inferno
2024 will mark the year when quantum computing takes one more step towards center stage in a thrilling race between tech giants IBM and Google. As quantum computing accelerates, so does the need for post-quantum-resistant encryption. Public clouds are already adopting innovative mitigation strategies to protect sensitive data in this quantum era.
Samit Banerjee
Division President, Cloud Operations Services
"Given the intensely competitive nature of the communications industry, service providers will prioritize training their own models within closely controlled GenAI environments."
Strategic insights: The role of generative AI for telecom in 2024
In 2024, communications service providers will continue to explore the potential of Generative AI. However, widespread deployment of this groundbreaking technology for external purposes is not anticipated. Despite the accessibility and user-friendly nature of GenAI tools, they remain susceptible to errors and inaccuracies. Consequently, service providers will channel their efforts towards internal applications aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their staff. This includes sales agents, service representatives, R&D teams, and operations teams, all of whom can critically evaluate and utilize the outputs of Generative AI.
Given the intensely competitive nature of the communications industry, service providers will prioritize training their own models within closely controlled GenAI environments. For instance, agents may receive suggestions on the 'next best offer,' while software developers can benefit from internal co-pilot tools to enhance their work.
Raman Abrol
CEO of Vubiquity and General Manager
"As we begin to see streaming sites syndicate original content from one another, it begs the question – how will streaming sites differentiate from one another and maintain subscriber loyalty?"
Streaming is mimicking cable, yet continuing to evolve the home entertainment experience
When entertainment streaming first hit the scaene, it came with a promise of on-demand content with little to no ads at a low monthly cost. These features – no ads, low costs – were once the biggest threats to cable, leading to mass cord-cutting. Yet, as the streaming wars have evolved, streaming providers are now beginning to look at lot like cable from both an advertising and pricing perspective.
In fact, new data from Amdocs found 27% of American pay at least $75/month on digital subscriptions while more than half of consumers have seen more ad-based content while streaming this year. However, the future of home entertainment, especially as linear TV recently dropped below 50% for the first time ever, will look very different soon compared to home entertainment in the early 2000s. I expect it will differ in the following ways:
- Advertising will increase, however advertisement breaks amid streaming of content will stay short in order to appease modern consumer behaviors, while also creating greater competition for ad spots.
- The combination of limited ad spots and robust viewer data will inspire a new era of advertising – however initially only Fortune 500 brands will be able to participate.
- While we have already seen premium content – such as live sporting events – priced out on streaming sites like Hulu and Amazon Prime, interactive experiences powered by AR and mixed reality will eventually be priced out as well, as consumers become more accustomed to such experiences.
The future of customer loyalty to streaming sites
As we begin to see streaming sites syndicate original content from one another, it begs the question – how will streaming sites differentiate from one another and maintain subscriber loyalty? Original content was once a differentiator and drove subscriptions so consumers could be in on the latest trending show. However, due to cost of original content and hitting customer acquisition potential, original content is no longer a prized and sacred asset to streaming sites. Streaming providers now face the challenge of maintaining customer loyalty as well as differentiating themselves from other streaming services. While creating a good content mix is a great start (69% of Americans enjoy being able to watch an equal mix of old and new content), some additional ways to maintain customer loyalty include:
- Grandfathered pricing – every time services increase their subscription pricing, customers reconsider the value of their subscription.
- Branding – streaming sites will need to inform or uncover their identity. Looking closely at viewer data – and advertising insights – can teach streaming providers a lot about the audience they attract.
- Experiences – interactive experiences are still early in their steaming debut, however streaming sites that master flawless interactive experiences first will not only set the pace, but also attract new and existing customers
Monika Gupta
Principal Technical Architect, Amdocs
"As 6G discussions unfold in 2024, use cases are expected to center around extended reality and metaverse applications, especially in entertainment, education, and healthcare. Concurrently"
Are we ready to initiate discussions about 6G?
While the industry is beginning to explore this topic, I harbor doubts about Communication Service Providers (CSPs) eagerly embracing conversations on 6G, especially as they recover from substantial investments in 5G. Nonetheless, this skepticism doesn't negate the momentum surrounding key 6G drivers, particularly in areas like energy efficiency. I anticipate witnessing gradual enhancements focused on refining network efficiency, reducing hardware footprint, and offloading some traffic to hyperscalers as initial steps to improve the network.
As 6G discussions unfold in 2024, use cases are expected to center around extended reality and metaverse applications, especially in entertainment, education, and healthcare. Concurrently, the escalating momentum within the AI/ML landscape may amplify the importance of everyday use cases, potentially leading to a proliferation of autonomous applications and devices, particularly in transportation and robotics. AI/ML advancements are positioned to make self-optimizing networks technology feasible, while the proliferation of RedCap (reduced capacity devices) is expected to gain traction in both utility and popularity. Additionally, the integration of satellite communications with 6G and advanced networks is envisioned as a pivotal element in bridging connectivity gaps in remote and rural areas.
