The seven tech changes to look out for in 2024

In our final blog for 2023, we’re looking ahead to 2024 and sharing seven key tech changes and trends you may need to navigate in your business. We’re uncovering how they could impact you and what you can do to mitigate any risk, so we hope you’ll take a look and see which ones apply to you!

The tech industry is always evolving, and change happens quickly, so we make it our business to stay ahead of the curve. We’ve nurtured an environment at Black Nova Designs where everyone is encouraged to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas. We hire people because of their expertise, their experience and their passion for IT. That means we have an amazing depth and breadth of knowledge at Black Nova, and our blogs and videos (make sure you check out our YouTube channel for the very latest news and views from the team) are a great way to benefit from it. We keep up to date with the latest tech trends and developments so that we’re able to advise our clients when we need to. They might have a tech problem they need our help to solve or want us to advise them on the best choice of solution. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the tech changes for 2024…

1. The switch-off of PSTN and ISDN services

Did you know that both the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in the UK will be switched off by the end of 2025? It’s because neither can deliver the same volume or quality of voice data as internet calls, video conferencing and other online collaborative tools, and so in the future voice calls will also be made over the internet.

It’s crucial for businesses to transition to Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, and at Black Nova, we’re here to guide you through the process. Call us for more information on how this shift can benefit your organisation. Yes, these changes won’t be finalised for just over a year, but it has such far reaching ramifications that we wanted to flag it up to you now, as you will want to make sure you address this in 2024.

Video information on this can be found below:

2. Windows 10 End of Life (EOL)

This is another change that won’t take place until 2025, but that you need to address as soon as possible to avoid issues. Windows 10 will finally reach its ‘end of life’ on the 14th of October 2025, and if you’re still using it, then it’s time to plan for the future. Just migrating to Windows 11 might not be the solution for you, as it introduces new hardware requirements. If your PC or laptop is very old, you might find it won’t run Windows 11… So, we recommend you start exploring your options now. That way you can ensure a seamless transition and avoid potential security risks associated with running an insecure operating system or a sudden need for new hardware!

3. Taking steps to reduce technical debt

We mentioned the fact that tech advances very quickly in the intro to this blog, and that leads us onto our next tech change to address next year. The speed of change can put pressure on developers to code solutions quickly to meet demand (or risk) rather than considering how something will fit into an organisation’s overall tech stack. That can lead to technical debt, where the complexity and siloed nature of a tech stack increases costs and security risks for a business and can even inhibit innovation. To combat this, we recommend more careful planning when adopting newer technologies that orchestrate business processes and taking the time to identify any opportunities to consolidate systems.

4. Incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continues to be a game-changer and presents so many opportunities for businesses. We recommend taking the time to read the latest news around AI and ML throughout the year, and experimenting with them whenever you can. Exploring how these technologies can enhance your business operations now, from automating tasks to gaining valuable insights that drive informed decision-making, will pay dividends in the future.

5. Protecting data access and privileges

In an era where cyber threats are indiscriminate and very likely, businesses, especially small ones, must prioritise cybersecurity. Attacks are becoming less target-driven and more opportunistic. We recommend you take steps proactively to protect your data by ensuring robust access controls and privileges to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access. Train your team on what to look out for and avoid, and make sure you have antivirus software for all devices and backups for all systems.

Learn more on this in the video below:

6. Microsoft licensing will get stricter

This one is important for small businesses and sole traders. Microsoft is tightening its grip on licensing, especially in the business realm. If you use a personal Microsoft licence for business purposes, you risk being handed a fine – and it could be a big one. If you run a business and utilise Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, then please ensure you have the appropriate business licence. Contact us for information on compliant licensing, starting at £15.59 per month, which includes a business email address.

For more information feel free to watch our videos on this

7. Check your tech bills for cost efficiency

With rising costs and a sluggish economy making life tricky for businesses of all sizes, it’s important to keep a close eye on all spending. As our grandmothers all used to say, look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves! We recommend you take a proactive approach by reviewing your monthly tech bills. That way, you can understand exactly what you are paying for and who you are paying. Then, you’re in a good place to explore alternative providers and hopefully save a few pennies (and pounds) here and there.

We believe that making sure we stay informed about upcoming tech trends is key to success in the digital era. By staying informed and sharing our thoughts with our clients, we’re ready for 2024 and beyond. If you have any questions about these trends, feel free to get in touch!