IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Performance-Intensive Computing 2025 Predictions
The IDC study provides the 2025 top 10 predictions for the worldwide performance-intensive computing market."IDC anticipates that organizations will need to invest in advanced infrastructure and expertise within the next five years to fully realize the benefits of performance-intensive computing," said Heather West, PhD, research manager, Performance-Intensive Computing. "These investments will lead to the implementation of heterogeneous IT environments and the centralization of data logistics, both of which will be critical for optimizing business outcomes and ensuring data security and governance."
IDC FutureScape Figure
Executive Summary
IDC FutureScape Predictions
Summary of External Drivers
Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
Prediction 1: By 2029, 5% of Performance-Intensive Computing Will Be Delivered Not by Raw Binary Compute Power But by Systems Based on Artificial Synaptic Connectivity for Low-Energy, Low-Cost, High-Accuracy AI
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 2: By 2028, 75% of G2000 Organizations Will Operate Their Business Based on Heterogeneous IT Environments Built on Standards Promoting Interoperability
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 3: By 2027, 60% of G2000 Organizations Will Adopt Performance-Intensive, Software-Driven, Scale-Out Storage Infrastructure and Unified Data Management to Accelerate Insights for AI and Analytics
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 4: By 2028, 60% of G2000 Organizations Will Centralize Data Logistics for AI, HPC, and Analytics on a Platform with Integrated Governance and Security, Fueled by Automation, Flexibility, and Scalability
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 5: By 2028, the Need for Advanced Real-Time Functionality Will Result in 40% of Workloads Utilizing the Benefits of Performance-Intensive Infrastructure
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 6: By 2029, the NIST's Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards Will Be Adopted by 75% of Western Governments and Very Large–Scale Organizations to Protect High-Risk Data and Infrastructure from a Quantum Breach
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 7: By 2029, Small-Scale (About 100,000 Qubits) Quantum-Centric Supercomputers Will Be Used by 60% of U.S. and EU Governments for Primarily Solving Complex Defense- and Science-Related Problems
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 8: By 2028, 80% of Organizations Running Performance-Intensive Workloads Will Leverage Energy-Efficient Power and Cooling Technologies to Reduce Energy Costs and Contribute to Sustainability Goals
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 9: By 2028, Upgrade Cycles and Opex-Friendly Pricing for Performance-Intensive Systems and Platforms Will Result in Demand for Server Recycling Services to Double as Compared with 2024
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 10: Through 2027, the Skill Sets Required to Take Advantage of Performance-Intensive Computing Workloads Will Remain in Short Supply, Reducing the Return-on-Investment Potential for 60% of Organizations
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Advice for Technology Buyers
External Drivers: Detail
AI-Driven Business Models — Moving from AI Experimentation to Monetization
Future Proofing Against Environmental Risks — ESG Operationalization and Risk Management
The Drive to Automate — Toward a Data-Driven Future
Expanding Digital Security Frontiers — Fortification Against Multiplying Threats
Customer Experience Squared — Consumer and Citizen Expectations for Digital Services
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