2024 Predictions
five to ten years as customers modernise or revamp their IT stack end-to-end. Tis includes moving from legacy IT systems to hybrid cloud, adopting more virtualised and interconnected IT environments, and eschewing traditional soſtware licenses for highly personalised tech on demand.” Covid has seen businesses have to
rethink their employee strategies. Phil Bell, chief revenue officer of Westcoast says: “2024 brings a new PC era, giving partners the opportunity to get back to black with sales. Tis will largely be driven by the start of a new refresh cycle four years on from the digital transformation seen during covid, and the emergence of AI-powered PCs into the market. Plus, the rise in return-to-work mandates will see businesses look to re-equip their workspaces.” While some businesses are returning to
office-based working, others have seen the benefits of home working. Keefe explains: “Hybrid work is now widely accepted as the norm, but the technology that facilitates it is still in transition. Inclusive and flexible solutions must allow for diverse workstyles and keep employees connected, engaged and productive, wherever and whenever they are working. As a result, we will see an evolution towards more seamless integration of virtual and physical spaces to enhance collaboration and deliver experiences that encourage creativity and teamwork.” Such integration relies on good networks as Rachel Rothwell,
senior regional director, UK and Ireland at Zyxel Networks says: “We expect 2024 to be a big year for wireless upgrades as businesses take advantage of the increased speed and consistent performance of WiFi 6/6E and WiFi 7. We also see more opportunities with multi- gig’ networking and security will continue to be a major theme. We see plenty of growth potential for MSP partners in providing monitoring and management of both customers’ networks and their edge protection.”
December 2025 will see the PSTN switch-off, which is meeting
with resistance from some end-users. Gavin Jones, channel partners director, BT Wholesale says: “As the switch to all-IP draws closer and businesses embrace a digital future, it has never been more important to ensure a seamless transition. “Te biggest challenge for channel players will be educating
customers on this. Whilst many within the channel know how, why and when the move to all-IP will occur, many end-users don’t. It’s likely that resellers will need to increasingly use vendor partner programmes to help combat misunderstandings around the switch to all-IP. “As technology advances and customer demands evolve in 2024,
the channel will need to be nimble. It’s important that we really listen to SMB’s needs, as they will be feeling the pinch during the current economic climate and skills shortage.” 2025 will also see Microsoſt ending support for Windows 10 which
should drive an accelerated move to Windows 11 as Bell explains: “Organisations will be seriously considering how they navigate their Windows 11 migration in 2024. It’s estimated that millions of devices will not be compatible with the latest OS. Tis presents an opportunity to take a layered sales approach to your customers’ IT estates through devices, SaaS offerings and ongoing services. “Beyond the millions of device sales up for grabs from the Windows
11 upgrade, add-on services and support will be crucial for growing revenue as time-poor business look for guidance and consultancy.” Demand for more memory and storage never stops as Keefe
explains: “Huge amounts of processing memory and storage are needed both on local networks and in the cloud. Companies will find they are looking for ways to cost-effectively ramp up both memory capacity and storage systems to support the higher intensity
www.pcr-online.biz January/February 2024 | 21
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