Investing in digital transformation

Strategic technology investment and adoption for businesses will continue to be key in 2025. Focusing on adapting to new technologies and effectively managing resources will help businesses remain competitive and drive innovation.

20 “The pitfall to avoid in 2025 is trying to fix old processes, rather than create new ones. As more emerging tech continues to come to the forefront, businesses are realizing their old processes were built for different environments and are no longer useful today.”

Iris Meijer
Chief Product & Marketing Officer

Verizon Business

So rather than trying to retrofit an old process onto a new technology landscape, businesses should upskill their people to help them think differently and creatively. For businesses where legacy systems remain a key investment, those businesses will focus on creating digital overlays that allow them greater freedom to adopt new technologies.

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“As more small businesses expand their online presence, we anticipate continued investments in high-speed internet, secure cloud services, and advanced cybersecurity measures in 2025.”

Aparna Khurjekar
Chief Revenue Officer,
Business Markets and SaaS

Verizon Business

Despite economic uncertainties, SMBs have demonstrated a commitment to investing in technology. In 2024, 66% of surveyed businesses upgraded their internet bandwidth to support increased digital operations. This trend underscores the critical role of robust connectivity in enabling digital transformation.

22 “Cloud computing is essential in IT, but without internal expertise, companies risk losing control. To mitigate this, precise planning, budgeting, and excellent documentation are crucial.”

Uta Gross
Associate Director of Enterprise

Deutschland Verizon Business

Cloud computing has become a must-have in IT, but companies often lack the internal expertise to plan and implement global cloud structures. This reliance on external consultants can lead to a loss of control and increased dependency. To mitigate this, companies should limit the number of partners, plan and budget precisely, and insist on excellent documentation of architecture and management. A global approach to cloud data management offers higher scalability, dynamic collaboration, and a pay-as-you-go model. While cloud providers handle tasks like storage maintenance, backup, disaster recovery, and security, organisations remain responsible for data management and compliance with protection regulations. This shift eases operational burdens but requires careful oversight.

23

“Local production is the key to resilient supply chains, sustainable growth, and meeting customer demands faster and more effectively.”

Frédérique Liaigre
Managing Director

EMEA South & Benelux Verizon Business

In 2025, we will witness a significant shift towards localised production, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Localised production will not only enhance supply chain resilience but also provide businesses with the opportunity to respond more swiftly to market demands.

The European Union’s support to semiconductor production is a prime example of how local initiatives can bolster industry capabilities.

Moreover, this shift aligns with overarching sustainability goals for businesses in EMEA. Local production reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and supports the development of greener technologies. As businesses invest in local facilities, it also means investing in the future of our planet, enabling businesses to enhance economic and environmental sustainability.

with long-distance shipping and supports the development of greener technologies. As businesses invest in local facilities, it also means investing in the future of our planet, enabling businesses to enhance economic and environmental sustainability.

24 “Edge computing will become a cornerstone IT strategy that brings real commercial advantages - empowering real-time data processing and faster business decision-making.”

Dean Dennis
Managing Director
of Global Solutions

Verizon Business

Edge computing will become a cornerstone of enterprise IT strategies in 2025, enabling real-time data processing and decision-making at the source. This technology will be crucial for industries requiring immediate insights and actions, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Picture a world where decisions are made at lightning speed,

25 “Rapid adoption of digital technologies necessitates a focus on workforce upskilling & reskilling.”

Massimo Peselli
Chief Revenue Officer,
Global Enterprise & Public Sector

Verizon Business

right where the data is generated. Edge computing will facilitate this by processing data locally, reducing latency and bandwidth usage. In a manufacturing plant, for example, edge computing can monitor equipment in real-time, predicting failures before they occur and reducing downtime.

Advanced tools, including AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), are instrumental in enhancing productivity and improving training programs. Organizations that invest in developing their talent will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital age and maintain a competitive edge.