Mention “tech hub” and you likely think of Silicon Valley, San Francisco, or possibly Seattle. But would it surprise you to learn Chicago is emerging as a technology hub? It’s true! With its burgeoning startup ecosystem, strong tech talent pool, presence of major tech companies, and diverse industries with tech innovation needs, little wonder this city boasts a growing reputation in the technology world.
To keep pace, Chicago organizations need to understand the 2025 technology trends that can enhance their businesses and ensure their competitiveness in their markets. But how can these companies stay abreast of these innovations while managing their day-to-day operations? It’s increasingly evident that these businesses need to partner with Chicago managed IT services, professionals who not only know the emerging 2025 tech trends, but they can also recommend the innovations beneficial to the business.
What are some of these trends shaping 2025?
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Some of Chicago’s premier industries have begun to utilize AI and ML to automate parts of their operations. In healthcare, for example, AI applications review enormous amounts of medical and patient data, enabling physicians to personalize treatment plans. Manufacturing, a long-time staple of the Chicago industry landscape, benefits from AI predictive analytics to manage supply chains and shop floor energy utilization as well as enabling robots to safely handle repetitive tasks.
AI and ML are fast growing out of their infancy. Chicago managed IT services, current on the latest trends and tools, can recommend the AI-enabled applications to best provide the analytics you need to efficiently manage your operations and service your customers.
2. 5G Networks and Internet of Things (IoT)
5G networks are growing and offer the benefit of low latency, i.e. reduced delay in data transfer across the network. Couple 5G with IoT for a winning combination! Deploy sensors across a wide range of equipment to gather performance data, predicting failures and allowing your manufacturing organization to address them before they occur.
A managed IT service can work with reputable vendors in the Chicago area to find the most effective 5G network and IoT tools for your business as well as manage the implementation of these systems.
3. Cloud Computing and Hybrid Environments
The IT world has embraced both cloud computing and hybrid environments, where edge computing, on-premises systems, public and private clouds, and IoT devices integrate to offer the
benefits of these multiple platforms. The advantages of hybrid IT environments include greater control over private data, scalability through the use of public cloud services, and real-time decision-making by employing IoT and edge computing.
But moving from a traditional in-house IT infrastructure to the cloud or a hybrid arrangement requires the expertise of the managed IT services professionals. With the various available hybrid arrangements, these experts can recommend the environment best suited to your organization’s needs and manage the implementation project.
4. Cybersecurity and Compliance Solutions
Cybercrime Magazine, in its article, “2024 Cybersecurity Almanac: 100 Facts, Figures, Predictions And Statistics,” predicts global damages of greater that $9.5 trillion worldwide by the end of 2024. 2024 has also seen the growing development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI brings some wonderful benefits, it is also a helpful tool for cyber thieves. This rise in cyber threats demands constant vigilance.
Managed IT services not only stay current on detecting these threats, but they also provide 24/7 monitoring and recommend compliance solutions that best fit your needs. Their experts can regularly assess the threats to your system as well as identify network vulnerabilities. And, they can help you develop disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event a cyber-attack lands a successful blow.
A Chicago managed IT service understands the emerging tech trends and offers a one-stop shop for all your IT needs – security, network management, Helpdesk support, procurement, consulting, and project management. Do you already employ an IT team? Consider partnering with a Chicago managed IT service to utilize their expertise while maintaining in-house control over your system.
Whether contracting with a managed IT service for all your IT infrastructure needs or creating a collaboration between a managed IT group and your in-house team, consider contracting with JMA, a Chicago managed service provider whose experienced and licensed professionals can manage all your IT needs.