IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Enterprise Connectivity 2025 Predictions
This IDC study presents the top 10 predictions for worldwide enterprise connectivity for 2025."As business continues down the path to becoming more digital, agile, and connected, investments in 5G, satellite, fiber, fixed wireless access, edge, IoT, and consumption-based virtual service offerings will be aligned to an AI-driven strategy that accelerates business benefits," commented Paul Hughes, research director, Future of Connectedness at IDC. "We expect enterprises continue to accelerate their connectivity transformation strategies to enable employees, businesses, and consumers to connect, share information, and complete digital transactions from anywhere."
IDC FutureScape Figure
Executive Summary
IDC FutureScape Predictions
Summary of External Drivers
Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
Prediction 1: By 2026, 75% of Enterprises Will Implement AI-Enabled Cloud Communications APIs for Seamless Employee and Customer Engagement Driving Personalized Marketing and Revenue Growth Opportunities
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 2: By 2028, 70% of Enterprises Will Leverage LEO Satellite Connectivity to Complement Cellular Coverage Increasing Resiliency by Creating a Unified Digital Enterprise Service Fabric
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 3: By 2028, Over 70% of Enterprises Will Take Advantage of Cellular IoT Applications, as Multi-IMSI SIMs and eUICC solutions, NB-IoT, and 5G Evolution Drive Adoption of Mission-Critical Business Use Cases
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 4: By 2026, 90% of Enterprises Will Integrate Generative AI into Their Connectivity Strategy to Bolster Network Integrity, Optimize Network Security, and Create More Personalized Employee Experiences
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 5: By 2027, 70% of Enterprises Will Adopt Cloud-Native Networking for Digital and AI Workflows Across on Premises, Edge, and Multicloud, Amplifying Cloud Providers' Role as End-to-End Connectivity Suppliers
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 6: By 2027, 45% of Enterprises Will Enhance Edge Computing Use Cases with Contextual Experience, Aided with GenAI, Further Aligning Business Outcomes with Customer Expectations and Usability
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 7: By 2026, 60% of Enterprises Will Benefit from Enhanced Edge Security, AI-Enabled Automation, and Optimized Operational Efficiency by Applying "as-a-Service Models" to SD-WAN and Security
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 8: By 2028, 50% of Today's Network Engineering and Operational Tasks Will Be Eliminated — or Reduced to Minor Responsibilities — by AI-Powered on-Premises Networking Systems and Public Network Services
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 9: By 2027, 65% of Network Consulting Engagements for Datacenter Networking Will Surround Architectural Design and Testing to Support Complex AI and GenAI GPU Connections Prior to Full Deployment
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Prediction 10: By 2027, 75% of Enterprises Will Leverage Service Provider AI and Telemetry Expertise to Accelerate Adoption and Automation of ESG Use Cases That Improve Efficiency and Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Business Impact
Guidance
Advice for Technology Buyers
External Drivers: Detail
AI-Driven Business Models — Moving from AI Experimentation to Monetization
The Drive to Automate — Toward a Data-Driven Future
Future Proofing Against Environmental Risks — ESG Operationalization and Risk Management
AI-Driven Workplace Transformation — Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
Expanding Digital Security Frontiers — Fortification Against Multiplying Threats
Responsible and Human-Centric Technology — Ethics in the Enterprise
Battling Against Technical Debt — Overcoming Hurdles to IT Modernization
Learn More
Related Research
Research Assistance
Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook