The 2-Z of 2025 predictions: N & O

N is for networks

AI-native networks

Source: HPE. Harders.

Nick Harders, APJ Systems Engineering Director, HPE Aruba Networking, noted that the distributed nature of AI data, with separate 'pools' of data for training and inferencing, requires a secure modern networking foundation.

"In 2025, as enterprises continue to drive data-intensive AI initiatives, we will see growth in demands for secure, AI-native networks that will enable large volumes of data to flow seamlessly between environments, while ensuring every connection is reliable and secure. With AI and machine learning fully integrated into network operations, AI-native networks can dynamically optimise for speed, reliability, and efficiency while reducing outages and disruptions," he said.

"A core element of AI-native networks, AIOps (AI for IT operations), in particular, will also see an increase in enterprise demands. In fact, AIOps adoption is expected to triple in 2025 a businesses look to leverage intelligence and automation to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime and drive innovation."

Distributed computing 

Jay Jenkins, CTO, Akamai Technologies APJ, said that distributed computing will be the go-to for greater efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness. "By 2025, distributed computing will emerge as the solution to our overstretched cloud infrastructure. As technologies like AI, spatial computing, and smart urban infrastructure demand more resources, organisations will shift from rigid centralised models to dynamic, distributed architectures," he predicted. 

"This transformation will empower platform engineering teams to strategically align processes with user locations, resource costs, compliance needs, and sustainability goals, unlocking unprecedented efficiency and adaptability. In the diverse markets of the APJ region, this flexibility will be vital for innovation and competitiveness, enabling companies to tailor solutions to local demands while minimising their carbon footprints."

John Engates, Field CTO, Cloudflare, approached his prediction on distributed computing via the edge. "To unlock AI’s true potential, edge computing must bring the compute power closer to where it’s actually needed. Edge computing represents a paradigm shift, dramatically reducing latency and enabling a new generation of sophisticated, responsive applications," he said.

He described scenarios where autonomous vehicles make split-second decisions, and interactive gaming with zero perceptible delay, as well as real-time video processing that responds instantly. "These innovations become possible when compute resources are strategically positioned near their point of use. That’s why the future of AI is not just about raw computational power, but about smart, distributed computing that brings intelligence closer to where it's most impactful," he added. 

Source: RUCKUS
Networks.
Kho.

"The explosion of data creation and consumption is continuing to drive momentum towards distributed edge computing, where organisations operating on edge networks will demand real-time network processing that minimises latency and reduces bandwidth usage, while also ensuring security,” agreed Kho Teck Meng, Regional Sales Director, RUCKUS Networks, ASEAN.

Network-as-a-service

"2025 will witness a new era for network-as-a-service (NaaS), with portals offering deeper automation, enhanced API integrations, and greater flexibility for enterprises," predicted Yasutaka Mizutani, APAC President, Colt Technology Services. 

Satellite networks

"With advances in satellite connectivity, traditional 5G and broadband networks will face stiff competition. This shift will introduce new attack surfaces as satellite communication becomes a more widespread alternative," said BeyondTrust experts in a list of 2025 predictions.

"LEO satellite networks will see accelerated deployment, connecting remote regions with secure, low-latency infrastructure. This will redefine accessibility, particularly for industries requiring resilient operations," Mizutani added.

APJ refers to the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, while LEO stands for low-earth orbit.

Submarine networks

Rob Le Busque, Regional VP, Verizon Business APAC, said the race for global connectivity will drive billions into submarine cable networks, with a critical shortage creating a new wave of investment in public IP infrastructure.

"The increasing demand for global connectivity, coupled with geopolitical factors, will lead to significant investment in public IP submarine cable networks," he predicted.

"Currently, there is a capacity shortage in global submarine cable infrastructure. The new capacity worth US$11.5 B being built over the next three years will primarily serve hyperscale use, creating a 'walled garden'." 

Wi-Fi 7

"In 2025, networks are expected to be even more scalable, agile, AI-ready, flexible, intelligent and secure; (with) Wi-Fi 7 acting as a major propellant of modern networking needs. From a business’ perspective, as Wi-Fi 7 adoption increases, the greatest benefit will likely be improved efficiencies in new technologies like AR/VR, 8K streaming, and the growing IoT ecosystem," said Kho.

"These enhanced capabilities will be especially critical for industries such as education, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, retail and gaming, where timely and experiential services are now the expected baseline."

AR/VR stands for augmented and virtual reality, and IoT for the Internet of Things.

O is for observability

"Customers in cloud-native environments often struggle with identifying and resolving issues quickly due to a lack of end-to-end visibility across their infrastructure and application stack, impacting service reliability and availability. In 2025, we can expect customers to double down on cloud-native observability so that they are able to visualise and correlate events and metrics in real-time, from the infrastructure to the application across their hybrid and multicloud environments. This will enable them to analyse data across their entire environment, and identify patterns, anomalies and potential issues before they escalate into incidents," said Vishal Ghariwala, CTO for SUSE Asia Pacific.

O is also for off-grid

In his 2025 predictions, Dr Werner Vogels, CTO, Amazon, highlighted a growing focus on intentional disconnection and mindful technology choices, from schools banning mobile phones to the popularity of minimalist phones and standalone music players.

"Don’t get me wrong—this shift doesn’t mean abandoning digital connectivity, but rather being mindful of how devices can augment our intentions instead of simply grabbing our attention. It’s about striking a delicate balance," he noted.

"With a return to intentionality, we can elevate our relationship with technology, ensuring it empowers us rather than distracts us."

Ipsos data shows that 44% of the world is in agreement, predicting that bans on smartphones in schools will occur in 2025. The consultancy also noted that "the intent to reduce social media usage (37% globally) has slightly dipped from last year's 41%".  

Explore

Read the full set of 2025 predictions from 2-Z at https://www.techtradeasia.com/2025/01/the-techtrade-asia-2024-roundup-2025.html

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