The IT industry has seen significant growth in early 2025, driven primarily by the rapid adoption of cloud computing, AI, and other emerging technologies. According to IOT Analytics Industrial Software Landscape Report 2024–2030, the global industrial software market is forecasted to reach $355 billion by the end of the decade, growing at a compound growth rate of 13.5 percent. This rapid growth presents opportunities for partners looking to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the latest trends is crucial for partners to stay aligned with innovations and deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers. Below are five of the top 2025 IT trends to stay ahead of the game.
1. Optimizing IT with AI
The use of AI is shifting from general, large-scale models to more specialized, cost-effective solutions that deliver targeted business outcomes. Cisco’s AI-powered solutions like Cisco AI Network Analytics enhance network security and performance to help businesses manage complex IT environments.
2. AI in Security: Protecting the Digital Landscape
The risk of cyber threats rises as AI becomes more integrated into operations. Liz Centoni, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco, said, “In 2025, companies must up their security postures to address entirely new types of risk introduced by AI. One such example is prompt injection attacks—where malicious inputs are disguised as legitimate user prompts in generative AI systems.”
Ensuring AI-driven security measures is a top priority. By enabling AI assistants to collect and analyze data, providing analysts vital background context, Cisco’s XDR solution and security analyst capability enhance AI-driven security. AI streamlines complex security data so analysts can work more productively and make more informed choices. Additionally, AI Native Security is revolutionizing security practices by enabling automated policy updates, dynamic learning, constant refinement, and precise application characterization.
3. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency in Data Centers
Centoni highlighted that the energy consumption of AI-focused data centers is projected to surpass the entire Netherlands’ annual energy usage this year. “Indeed, in many of my AI conversations with customers, sustainability emerges as a core concern,” she said.
Infrastructure that is sustainable and energy efficient is necessary due to the rising demand for AI and cloud computing. By creating intelligent power management systems and energy efficient hardware, Cisco is spearheading innovation in green networking. Cisco has reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy and sustainability by establishing a science-based target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040.
4. Quantum Networking
Quantum Networking is emerging as a transformative technology for secure communication, utilizing quantum mechanics to enable nearly impenetrable encryption. Cisco is advancing quantum key distribution, creating secure encryption keys and identifying attempts at interception.
5. Enabling the Next Generation of IoT with Edge and 5G
“While quantum computing continues its development path, quantum networking – particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – will emerge as an actionable investment opportunity with clear market demand,” shared Alex Pujols, VP of Global Partner Engineering, Global Partner Sales at Cisco. Edge computing and 5G networks are becoming essential for low-latency communications and real-time processing as IoT and AI-driven applications grow. Businesses can manage data closer to the source with Cisco’s IoT edge solutions and 5G networking technologies, improving productivity and performance.
A Strategic Opportunity for Partners
Partners can lead in AI-driven networking, security, and sustainable IT solutions as these trends continue to transform the IT industry. By integrating Cisco’s cutting-edge technologies, partners can help their customers stay ahead, improve security, and optimize performance.
Partners need to stay informed and proactively expand their portfolio offerings to maintain a competitive edge. Embracing these innovations not only enables partners to meet the growing demands but also positions them as a trusted advisor.
By aligning with Cisco’s latest innovations, partners can drive digital transformation, future-proof their businesses and play a key role in shaping the IT landscape of 2025 and beyond.
For more information on the 2025 IT trends to pay attention to read more of Centoni’s insights here.
