The year has barely started, and it’s almost over! What a change! A “new” iPhone, an even newer Galaxy, a new Nvidia record, different AI capabilities in gadgets for different continents…
Of course, the business side was interested in slightly different developments. We have collected some of them!
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
In 2024, AI and ML technologies will have further strengthened their presence in the enterprise. Companies increasingly integrate these solutions into their processes to increase efficiency and competitiveness. The application of AI has expanded to predictive maintenance, customer service chatbots, and data analytics, enabling companies to make faster and more accurate decisions. Copilot, Joule, Gemini, so many names in the hive, all busily buzzing, searching, and conceptualizing – for us.
The dominance of cloud services
Cloud solutions have remained at the heart of digital transformation. Companies have used hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to build more flexible, cost-effective IT infrastructures. Cloud providers compete on security, performance, and scalability of services to meet business needs.
Cybersecurity and data protection at the forefront
Unrelated to cloud growth, the rise in cyber attacks has made cybersecurity a top priority for enterprises. To comply with new regulations and GDPR, companies are investing in advanced security solutions such as zero-trust architectures and endpoint protection systems. The cyber security market has grown significantly as companies seek to protect their data and systems from threats.
Industry 4.0 and the rise of automation
The concept of Industry 4.0 has evolved, and automation has become more deeply embedded in manufacturing processes. The integration of robotics, IoT, and AI has enabled real-time monitoring and optimization of production lines, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Companies have invested in smart manufacturing systems to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Data-driven decision-making and Big Data
The value of data has continued to grow, and companies have increasingly relied on Big Data analytics for strategic decision-making. Data-driven approaches have enabled more accurate forecasting of market trends, better understanding of customer needs, and optimization of internal processes. In data management and analytics, companies have invested in the right tools and expertise to harness the potential of data.
Workforce trends and pay in the IT sector
In 2024, wage growth in the IT sector will slow down slightly, both in Hungary and internationally. The salaries of Hungarian IT professionals have risen differently across disciplines and positions compared to the previous year, with salary increases of up to 10-15% depending on the level of expertise and experience.
This year has not been a breakthrough year for quantum... or has it?
In 2024, IBM and Google continued their race to develop quantum computers, with both companies reaching significant milestones during the year. In late 2023, IBM unveiled its new “Condor” quantum processor, which now has a capacity of more than 100 qubits, while Google announced a breakthrough in error-correction technology that brought quantum computers closer to practical business applications. These developments have generated massive interest in the B2B sector, particularly in financial modeling, logistics optimization, and drug development.
The OpenAI GPT version is now at version 5
OpenAI announced the GPT-5 model in 2024, further revolutionizing natural language processing (NLP) and automated content generation in the enterprise sector. The new model can analyze complex business texts, process contracts, and accurately conduct automated customer service interactions. Many B2B companies, especially in the financial, legal, and healthcare sectors, have started using GPT-5 to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of their services.
Meta's new B2B strategy: Metaverse for business
In 2024, Meta (formerly Facebook) unveiled its new B2B-focused strategy focused on developing metaverse business environments. Meta’s latest platform, Horizon Workrooms, enables companies to create virtual meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and collaboration spaces. Several large companies, such as Siemens and Accenture, have already started testing these solutions and have reported promising results in increasing the efficiency of virtual work.
Dell and Intel strategic partnership
One of the most important industry events of the year was the strategic agreement between Dell Technologies and Intel to develop AI-based data center solutions. The two companies work together on systems that can optimize enterprise IT infrastructures, reduce power consumption, and increase computing capacity. This partnership has significantly impacted IT purchasing decisions in the B2B sector. The year has also been buzzing with announcements of AI collaborations and alliances.
+1. TikTok's entry into the B2B market
TikTok, mainly in the consumer sector, announced its first B2B solutions in 2024. The new platform, TikTok for Business Pro, will allow businesses to create and distribute creative short-form ads. The platform has become particularly popular among e-commerce and technology companies, which have quickly recognised it as a new communication channel to reach business customers. However, it is another area where a Chinese upstart could catch and overtake US market leaders. It is feared that 2025 will be all about this rivalry, and we can only be glad if these conflicts occur only in social and cyberspace…