FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

Additionally , 21 % have begun the process of deploying solutions for Generative AI .

Over the next year , enterprises will continue to see real ROI as they scale AI . That is a game-changer . For South Africa ’ s healthcare , finance and logistics industries , ripe for AI-driven innovation . The time has come to move from pilot projects to scaled solutions .

The focus should shift to developing tailored , scalable AI applications that solve current challenges while also positioning companies for future opportunities .

If your AI strategy is not clearly defined yet , make it your top priority in 2025 . Tools are maturing at an incredible pace , and businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind .

Imagine starting your day with a PC that has already handled the basics – drafted follow-ups , organised your to-do list , or summarised your emails while you were still making coffee . Welcome to 2025 , where AI PCs bring this level of convenience to life .

These PCs are set to revolutionise how work gets done . Equipped with embedded AI capabilities , they can process data locally , resulting in faster performance , enhanced security and cost efficiency .

This is particularly beneficial for South African businesses balancing distributed teams and hybrid work environments . The importance of the Edge – where data is created and consumed – is also growing . AI PCs are redefining productivity by shifting work closer to where it happens .

Between higher performing CPUs , GPUs and NPUs and more PC silicon options in the market than ever before , the choice and innovation will be the best it has ever been .

For industries evolving at breakneck speed , having smarter devices is no longer optional , it is essential . If you are holding onto older hardware , now may be the time to make the leap .

Data centres for AI

AI is advancing faster than any technology in recent memory . In a recent analyst discussion , we found that by 2025 , the overwhelming majority of AI processing , up to 95 % will focus on inferencing – using AI to make real-time decisions . This shift is not just an upgrade ; it is a demand for entirely new approaches to data infrastructure .

It is why traditional siloed data centres are being replaced by disaggregated architectures , which allow computing , storage and networking systems to scale independently . This provides businesses with faster , more flexible operations without being locked into specific vendor solutions , a crucial step forward for South African companies aiming for efficiency and agility .

Furthermore , the rising cost of energy and the environmental impact of AI workloads present additional challenges such as escalating demand for data centres , which requires substantial investment in data centre infrastructure . To meet this demand , businesses must adopt energy-efficient hardware and diversified energy sources .

Additionally , workload management and monitoring tools are essential for optimising performance , reducing costs , and ensuring AI solutions meet specific organisational needs .

Reassess your data centre strategies now to ensure they can support the scalability , flexibility and energy efficiency required by AI-driven workloads , optimising performance while minimising environmental impact .

AI agents

2025 will also mark the rise of AI agents , which go far beyond chatbots or virtual assistants . AI agents are software systems that can plan , make decisions and take action to achieve pre-defined goals . They will be everywhere next year and will have a big impact on how we use AI .

Unlike reactive systems of the past , AI agents are evolving into proactive tools capable of managing complex workflows . From resolving intricate customer

Doug Woolley , General Manager and Vice President , Dell Technologies South Africa

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