As 2024 comes to a close, it’s worth reflecting on what happened in IT this year and what it means for small businesses. It’s been an interesting year, with some significant developments that affect how small businesses use technology.
This year saw continued growth in cloud adoption, increased focus on security, and the emergence of AI tools that are actually useful for small businesses. Remote work infrastructure became more mature, and businesses got better at managing hybrid work environments.
Here’s what stood out in 2024 and what small businesses should take away from it.
Cloud Adoption Continued to Grow
More small businesses moved to the cloud in 2024. Microsoft 365, cloud-based accounting software, customer management systems. The trend away from on-premises servers continued.
For small businesses, the benefits are clear. Lower upfront costs, automatic updates, access from anywhere, built-in backup. But there are challenges too. Managing cloud subscriptions, understanding what you’re paying for, ensuring security and compliance.
We’ve helped businesses navigate cloud adoption this year. The ones that did it well started with clear goals, chose services that fit their needs, and planned for migration. The ones that struggled tried to move everything at once or didn’t understand what they were buying.
Looking ahead, we expect cloud adoption to continue, but with more focus on optimisation. Businesses are realising they’re paying for services they don’t use, or they’re using multiple services that do the same thing. There will be more focus on consolidating and optimising cloud spending.
Security Remained a Top Concern
Security threats continued to evolve in 2024. Ransomware attacks became more targeted, phishing emails became more sophisticated, and data breaches affected businesses of all sizes.
Small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often have weaker security and are more likely to pay ransoms. We’ve helped businesses recover from security incidents this year, and the common theme is that basic security measures could have prevented most of them.
Multi-factor authentication, regular backups, security updates, employee training. These aren’t expensive or complicated, but they’re not always implemented. Businesses that invested in basic security this year were much better protected than those that didn’t.
Looking ahead, security will remain a priority. Businesses that haven’t invested in security will be at increasing risk. The good news is that security tools are getting better and more affordable, making it easier for small businesses to implement strong security.
AI Tools Became Practical
2024 was the year AI tools became actually useful for small businesses. Not the hype and promises, but real tools that solve real problems. Chatbots for customer service, AI assistants for writing, tools that automate repetitive tasks.
We’ve seen businesses use AI to draft emails, create marketing content, analyse data, and handle customer inquiries. The tools are getting better, and they’re becoming more affordable. What was experimental in 2023 is now practical in 2024.
But there’s a learning curve. AI tools require training and adjustment. They’re not magic. You need to understand what they can and can’t do, and how to use them effectively. Businesses that invested time in learning AI tools got more value than those that just installed them and hoped for the best.
Looking ahead, we expect AI tools to become even more integrated into business software. You won’t need separate AI tools for everything. The AI will be built into the software you already use.
Remote Work Infrastructure Matured
Remote work isn’t new, but 2024 saw businesses getting better at it. The infrastructure improved. Tools became more reliable. Best practices became clearer. Remote work went from “we’re making it work” to “this is how we work.”
We’ve helped businesses set up proper remote work infrastructure this year. VPNs, collaboration tools, device management, security policies. The businesses that invested in remote work infrastructure are seeing benefits in productivity and employee satisfaction.
But there are still challenges. Security for remote workers, managing devices, ensuring productivity, maintaining company culture. These require ongoing attention, not just initial setup.
Looking ahead, we expect remote work to remain common, but with more focus on hybrid models. Some days in the office, some days remote. This requires different infrastructure than fully remote or fully in-office.
What Small Businesses Should Take Away
2024 reinforced some important lessons for small businesses:
Security isn’t optional. Basic security measures can prevent most incidents. Invest in security, even if it seems like you’re too small to be a target.
Cloud services can save money and improve efficiency, but you need to manage them. Review subscriptions, optimise costs, ensure security and compliance.
AI tools can be useful, but they require learning and adjustment. Don’t expect them to solve all your problems, but do explore how they can help with specific tasks.
Remote work infrastructure needs ongoing attention. It’s not a one-time setup. Review and improve it regularly.
And most importantly: you don’t have to figure this out alone. IT consultants can help you understand trends, evaluate options, and make decisions that fit your business.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, we expect these trends to continue. Cloud adoption will grow, security will remain a priority, AI tools will become more integrated, and remote work will remain common.
But there will be new developments too. New regulations, new threats, new opportunities. Staying informed and making deliberate decisions matters. Don’t adopt new technology just because it’s trendy. Adopt it because it solves a problem or improves your business.
If you want to discuss how these trends might affect your business, or if you need help planning your IT strategy for 2025, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses navigate IT trends and make smart technology decisions and can help you too.