FEATURE : FORECASTS AND PREDICTIONS
For Wireless Internet Service Providers , WISPs , all of these developments signal a complete paradigm shift . As Wi-Fi technology evolves , so too will network architectures . The need for extensive cellular infrastructure could diminish as Wi-Fi networks become more pervasive and reliable .
Service providers will need to adapt by offering innovative services and subscription models , leveraging Wi-Fi 7 and 802.11bf capabilities to differentiate themselves , and integrating smart city infrastructure into their offerings to stay competitive . If nothing else , it may help convince regulators that Wi-Fi , not cellular , is where the upper 6GHtz spectrum allocation should go .
Ralph Berndt , Sales and Marketing Director , inq . SA
Successful cloud strategies in 2025
The global cloud computing market is projected to reach the $ 864 billion mark by next year and continue growing at 12.8 % annually . This reflects how important the cloud has become to any organisation ’ s strategy . To stay competitive and make the most from their cloud investment , there are several best practices to adopt that support both operational resilience and cost-effectiveness .
One of the primary drivers behind cloud adoption is security . As cyber threats grow more sophisticated , organisations are increasingly prioritising environments that can provide more comprehensive security alongside the high availability of systems and data . This focus has brought major cloud providers and Content Delivery Networks into the conversation , as businesses seek ways to modernise their infrastructure and ensure resilient security and uptime .
Another significant driver is the shift towards hybrid or private cloud environments , where businesses can control their data within secure boundaries while still benefiting from scalable cloud resources . For organisations with legacy infrastructure , this hybrid approach can be especially beneficial by enabling them to bridge the gap between traditional on-premises systems and modern cloud solutions .
This evolution toward hybrid models empowers businesses to manage data effectively across environments while ensuring compliance and data sovereignty .
Despite the benefits , migrating to the cloud can be a considerable undertaking . One of the obstacles is to effectively balance the transition from legacy systems with the need for a cost-effective , efficient migration . Moving from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based systems can be costly and complex , and without careful planning , organisations risk overextending their budgets .
When approaching cloud adoption , the risk-versus-reward analysis is critical . Organisations need to understand what they are gaining from cloud technologies and whether the expected rewards justify the investment . This requires a comprehensive gap analysis to evaluate the current infrastructure , pinpoint areas for improvement , and assess which cloud model aligns best with the organisation ’ s goals .
Consultation plays a crucial role here . Having the right partners who understand the nuances of cloud migration can make the difference between a smooth transition and a costly disruption . At inq ., we have seen how starting from a well-defined baseline can better define the most effective cloud migration journey .
Organisations must take stock of their existing assets , identify gaps , and set clear goals for what they aim to achieve in the cloud . This start where you are approach helps teams map a practical route to cloud integration that avoids unnecessary detours and expenditures .
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