The Forrester research firm today published its list of the 10 emerging technologies to follow for CIOs this year.
This year’s list once again highlights different AI technologies. But technologies that improve computer security will find buyers if they prove effective.
Forrester is separating generative AI into two distinct categories this year. On one side, the firm is distinguishing generative AI for language. On the other side, there is generative AI for visual content. This division reflects, for Forrester, “the rapid advances and divergent applications of these technologies.”
1. Generative AI for language
Generative AI for language, which incorporates conversational AI, could simply revolutionize our access to knowledge.
It “became the foundation for a major interface shift comparable to the mobile revolution of 2008-2010,” Forrester says.
In concrete terms, interaction between users and digital systems in natural language is becoming “the new standard of interaction”, in all sectors.
2. Generative AI for visual content
Generative AI for visual content focuses on creating images and videos from different types of input (prompts but also images and sounds).
Enough to offer new possibilities in the field of digital creation.
3. Ever more efficient AI agents
The evolution of artificial intelligence agents is certainly “the most exciting development on this year’s list,” says Forrester.
AI agents are based “on the concept of autonomous assistants in the workplace” but above all integrate LLMs that allow complex tasks to be performed for the benefit of professionals.
This shift from purely generative AI to “agentic AI” promises “more sophisticated and less fragile automation capabilities,” the firm says.
4. TuringBot agents for developers
TuringBot agents are AI agents whose goal is to accelerate software development.
Intended to be integrated into the software development lifecycle, they are a product for developers of generative AI for language. Experimental tools like Microsoft’s AutoGen are examples of this new generation of bot.
“Their potential lifespan has gone from 5-10 years to just 1-2 years,” says Forrester, which adds that they will transform the role of developers from coders to robot supervisors.
5. Edge intelligence, agents everywhere
Forrester uses this term to describe the implementation of AI agents in digital devices.
“Apple’s announcement of Apple Intelligence models illustrates this trend,” he says.
Integrating “AI capabilities directly into devices” will improve “user experiences and automate tasks within the Apple ecosystem.”
6. Autonomous mobility
You don’t believe in self-driving cars anymore? Think again. Artificial intelligence and AI agents will change the game, says Forrester.
But step by step. “Fully autonomous consumer vehicles remain a distant goal,” says Forrester.
But in a more controlled setting, “applications in freight transportation, physical space management and urban public transportation are expected to experience substantial growth over the next two to five years.”
7. Extended Reality (XR)
Extended reality (XR), which has been on Forrester’s annual list for a few editions, is still relevant. AI agents “will help XR become the next big interface shift,” the firm assures. Why? Because “extended reality promises to add voice, gestures, and eye movements to natural language interfaces.”
For now, the first developments of XR should concern professionals in the fields of training and employee reception.
AI helps both black hats and white hats, says Forrester, which includes three emerging technologies in the field of computer security in its list.
8. IoT Security
Internet of Things security must be a response to the proliferation of connected devices, the firm assures.
9. Zero Trust Edge
“Zero Trust Edge” technology is back on the list this year.
It is a fusion of network and security tools, managed in the cloud, which should make it possible to secure remote environments by applying the principles of Zero Trust.
10. Quantum security
Quantum security is new to this list. Why?
Although quantum computers are light years away from breaking current encryption, developing encryption algorithms that are resistant to the power of quantum computing is becoming urgent.
