Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2023. Read them in this 15th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
An uncertain future requires improving, refining, and adapting to digital transformation
By Andrew Davis, Senior Director of Methodology at Copado
As the world tries to adapt to the lingering pandemic, war in Europe, and global supply chain disruptions, the tech industry is faced with changes that will reward companies that can adapt, and punish those that can’t. With substantial global uncertainty looming on the horizon, companies and software vendors are struggling to maintain business as usual. Cloud giants may take the lead, but rapid digital transformation, spurred by the pandemic, is bringing companies and new vendors to the forefront. Unfortunately, those who do not adapt or demonstrate effective solutions will lose out. As we head into 2023, there are a few trends we’re seeing take hold. Some of these are within the sphere of influence for development teams, and some outside of our control.
Cloud Giants Continue To Lead
Despite a predicted increase in cloud computing costs over the coming years, there is no competing with the capabilities and value of using global infrastructure vendors AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. These powerful global cloud giants will continue to influence and exert pressure in multiple ways, challenging vendors who offer quality services at a smaller scale.
Similarly, cloud-based application providers like Salesforce and Workday have the sales teams, capital, and capabilities to continue increasing their market share. Even with massive layoffs and a recession, these cloud giants have the resources and stability to provide reliable services during such a hectic time.
These cloud companies not only dominate the market, they set the standards for development and IT operations that inspire and motivate companies around the world. The technical practices of DevOps, such as tools for version control, CI/CD, package management, automated testing, and security analysis are now ubiquitous, removing one barrier to the adoption of strong development practices.
Momentum In Digital Transformation
Over the last few years, digital transformation initiatives increased momentum at most organizations. The pandemic dislodged most internal resistance to change and companies were forced to prepare for a new world of remote or hybrid work, triggering substantial growth at most software companies. As mentioned earlier, global companies with larger teams, capital and market share will continue their ambitious growth goals. We’ll see those growth goals manifest as continued marketing and sales efforts to help educate and engage development teams.
Adaptation To Big Changes
With transformation comes adaptation. The pandemic has left residual physical, mental, and organizational health issues that have slowed companies down and required reflection and adaptation. Companies have and will continue to have to adjust to supply chain issues, a war in Europe, and regime instability in certain regions. In the U.S. we’re seeing massive layoffs, inflation, and recession fears that are influencing a decline in funding in some areas of tech. So while positive changes are occurring within development teams, especially with the growth of low code/no code platforms and citizen developers, individuals and corporations will be treading lightly.
Survival of the Strongest Tech
With digital transformation and adaptation at the helm, the demand for technology-enabled solutions in organizations is clear. But those who can’t effectively implement the technology will continue to litter the market with stories of waste and failure. The companies who don’t provide the best services will be separated from the herd.
We’ll see tech companies without adequate funding be faced with extinction in the coming year. Enterprises who have been unable to forge an adaptive and creative culture will remain stalled. 2023 will challenge teams to identify how they operate and those who can adjust and provide effective solutions will outlive the others. Strong leaders who combine technical acumen and the people skills necessary to effect change will guide companies who thrive in this uncertain period.
We’re seeing big changes in the tech industry, from advancements in technology to deep organizational changes reflective of the times, but there’s still hope. 2023 will be a year of improving internal operations, refining development practices, and adapting to change while leading digital transformation. These trends will hopefully lead us into a more promising second half of the year.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Davis is the Senior Director of Methodology at Copado. Previously he was a Salesforce DevOps specialist and product manager. He’s passionate about helping teams deliver innovation, build trust, and improve their performance. After studying engineering at Virginia Tech and Johns Hopkins he became a Buddhist monk, teaching and building meditation communities for almost 15 years. Since 2014, he’s focused on the Salesforce platform as a developer, consultant and architect. He launched Appirio’s DevOps practice, and focuses on promoting modern development practices for Salesforce. He lives in San Diego with his amazing wife and very cuddly dog.
