Gartner Unveils Top Trends Shaping Infrastructure and Operations for 2025
Gartner, Inc. has identified six key trends poised to redefine infrastructure and operations (I&O) in 2025. These trends, which focus on addressing evolving technological demands and organizational needs, are set to empower enterprises with the differentiation required to optimize their I&O operations.
“These trends provide I&O leaders with critical insights into future skills requirements and implementation strategies,” said Jeffrey Hewitt, Vice President Analyst at Gartner. “They will enable enterprises to achieve maximum benefits from their I&O operations in 2025.”
Gartner’s Top I&O Trends for 2025
1. Revirtualization/Devirtualization
Organizations are revisiting their virtualization strategies due to changing licensing requirements and diverse cloud deployment models, including public, private, and distributed clouds. I&O leaders are advised to inventory current virtualization implementations, evaluate alternatives like containerization and hyperconvergence, and align skills development to support these paths.
2. Security Behavior and Culture Programs (SBCPs)
In the face of rising cyber threats, SBCPs are designed to address the human element of security by promoting secure behaviors and minimizing risks associated with employee actions. These programs improve the adoption of security controls and optimize cybersecurity resource utilization.
3. Cyberstorage
Cyberstorage leverages fragmented and distributed data storage systems that can be reassembled instantly when needed. I&O leaders are encouraged to assess the risks posed by storage threats and regulatory demands to justify investment in cyberstorage solutions.
4. Liquid-Cooled Infrastructure
Liquid cooling technologies, including immersion and direct-to-chip cooling, are becoming critical for managing heat generated by next-generation GPUs and CPUs. While still niche, liquid-cooled infrastructure is expected to gain prominence as AI and high-density computing demands rise.
5. Intelligent Applications
Generative AI has raised expectations for applications that adapt to user intent and context, reducing digital friction. These intelligent applications streamline processes, enhance resource utilization, and minimize I&O intervention, ultimately driving efficiency.
6. Optimal Infrastructure
Optimal infrastructure emphasizes selecting the best infrastructure solutions tailored to specific use cases, aligning with business objectives. This trend ensures executives outside IT can comprehend and support infrastructure decisions, fostering alignment with organizational goals.
Shaping the Future of I&O
Gartner underscores the importance of these trends in enabling I&O leaders to align technological advancements with business strategies. Jeffrey Hewitt noted, “By embracing these trends, I&O leaders can align infrastructure choices with their organizations’ objectives, paving the way for collaborative growth and innovation.”
