2020, the first year of the new data era
PCs Transform into Efficient Assistants with AI and ML
We need sustainable innovation that is not harmful to the planet.


In 2020, data is expected to transform from a new resource into a tangible resource, and efforts to utilize it are expected to continue.

On the 19th, Dell Technologies announced its forecast for innovation and technology trends over the next 10 years.

Dell Technologies, viewing 2020 as the inaugural year of the Next Data Decade, predicted the technologies and innovations that form the foundation of this new data era, such as computing, edge, and cloud, which process the rapidly increasing amount of data.


Simplifying data visibility and IT infrastructure
While many companies manage rapidly increasing data across various locations such as the cloud, central data centers, and the edge, it has been found that data visibility—enabling IT personnel to easily and quickly access and analyze the data they need—is still lacking. Starting in 2020, such data visibility will become one of the top priorities for corporate Chief Technology Officers (CTOs).

Furthermore, it is predicted that digital innovation will be accelerated by simplifying and automating IT infrastructure and building systems and services into integrated solutions with clear and powerful control. A new chapter in data management is expected to open by ensuring consistency in architecture, orchestration, and service contracts.


Widespread coexistence of various cloud models
In 2020, the coexistence of public and private clouds is expected to become a more distinct reality. Multi-cloud strategies supported by hybrid cloud architectures will contribute to easier data access and secure data retention. IDC predicted that by 2021, more than 90% of enterprises worldwide will use a mix of on-premises, private cloud, multiple public clouds, and legacy platforms to meet their IT infrastructure requirements.

Private clouds do not simply reside at the center of data centers; as 5G and edge computing advance, real-time data visibility and management become possible regardless of where the data is located. Dell Technologies anticipates that security and data protection will be tightly integrated as part of the cloud environment and emphasized that cybersecurity must be converged across data management systems, from the edge to the core and the cloud.


IT consumption model using only what is needed
One of the biggest obstacles for decision-makers driving digital transformation is cost. Capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx) can be limiting factors when establishing annual cost plans. Accordingly, the adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud consumption models is increasing, taking into account cost efficiency and workload flexibility.

Following this trend, Dell Technologies predicted that more organizations would transition to software-defined and cloud-based IT in 2020, forecasting that flexible consumption models based on usage as needed and IT as a service would rapidly become commonplace. Companies will be able to select models suitable for their business needs, secure data mobility and visibility, and easily handle even high-difficulty AI and machine learning workloads.


Adoption of Edge Computing by Giant Corporations
As discussions regarding the role and position of the edge continue, edge computing technology is also evolving. Taking the IoT as an example, the edge has become so ubiquitous today that it is difficult to find systems, applications, or services that are not interconnected. The edge is emerging in numerous locations and fields, and it is expected that large enterprises will lead its expansion in the future.

5G connectivity is creating new use cases and possibilities in the healthcare, financial services, education, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Consequently, SD-WAN and software-defined networking solutions have become a key link in integrated IT infrastructure solutions, enabling large-scale data workloads to move quickly and securely between edge, core, and cloud environments.

Dell Technologies stated that for long-term data management and protection, the flexibility and agility that only software-defined networks based on open networking can provide are essential.


How Intelligent Devices Will Transform Work and Collaboration
PC innovation is challenging limits and expanding horizons every year. Large-screen devices with immersive displays are becoming more common, and form factors are becoming smaller and thinner. AI and machine learning applications now recognize when and where to optimize power and computing based on user usage patterns. They also provide features that adjust sound and color based on the content the user is viewing or the game currently playing. Through biometric recognition, PCs recognize the user from the moment they look at the screen.

Dell Technologies predicted that advancements in AI and machine learning would make PCs smarter partners. Furthermore, it forecasted that smarter PCs would reduce user effort by automatically correcting errors and recovering systems, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency and productivity of PC users and IT administrators.


Sustainable innovation
Dell Technologies predicted that sustainable innovation, which ensures that the activities of businesses and organizations do not have a harmful impact on the planet, will continue to be a major topic. It anticipated that increased investment in the reuse and recycling of industrial waste would accelerate, leading to smaller hardware, minimized electronic waste, and maximized the use of existing materials.

Kim Kyung-jin, General Manager of Dell Technologies Korea, said, “While there have been many changes over the past 10 years, the technological changes and social development of the next 10 years will be at an unimaginable level,” adding, “In 2020, these technological advancements and changes will accelerate even further.”

He added, “Companies and organizations must accelerate the implementation of digital strategies suited to the new data era so that humanity can achieve positive results in various areas, such as faster medical services, better access to education, and responses to global climate change.”