As technology continues to evolve at pace, businesses must keep an eye on upcoming IT trends to remain competitive, secure, and efficient. For 2025, there are several developments that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need to prepare for.
Here’s our rundown of five key business IT trends for 2025 and how they may impact SMBs:
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The Rise of IT Outsourcing
With a challenging financial outlook and increases in employers’ National Insurance contributions in the UK, hiring new staff is looking expensive for SMBs.
IT outsourcing is therefore becoming an increasingly attractive option for SMBs. And while this doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of IT teams, it does mean outsourcing some of the more specialist IT expertise that is often difficult to justify in-house.
For SMBs, the benefits are significant: reduced costs, improved efficiency, and access to the latest technology and expertise. As IT systems become more complex, the demand for flexible and scalable support will continue to grow. And IT outsourcing providers like Akita have proactive and strategic solutions that can help business goals.
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The Continued Rise Of AI
The business AI revolution is here. And it will keep scaling at pace.
It’s hard to think that technology such as ChatGPT is only really 2 years old. And to a degree, the big players have struggled to keep pace with its success.
Microsoft’s initial launch of Copilot was a bit of a failed firework. But new features and changes in licensing coming now – and in 2025 – could well change that.
Integrating with wider Microsoft 365 applications, the potential for Copilot is enormous: from using AI to automate routine tasks, generate insights from email, and streamline content creation in apps like PowerPoint. There are also several new features coming to Dynamics 365 that will further enhance the application’s ability to streamline workflows.
Alongside Google’s drive around its Gemini solution, SMBs will no longer be able to view AI as a luxury, but an essential part of daily operations. And integrating AI into operations will help businesses boost productivity, reduce human error, and unlock innovation.
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Preparing for the End of Windows 10
In October 2025, Microsoft ends support for Windows 10. And businesses must start planning their transition to Windows 11.
Continued use of unsupported operating systems (OS) could leave organisations vulnerable to security threats and compliance issues: it didn’t take long for cybercriminals to find vulnerabilities in Windows XP when it left support.
It’s estimated that around two-thirds of Windows users are using Windows 10. As Windows 11 offers enhanced security, better integration with modern tools, and improved performance, it makes sense to make the move.
However, many of the PCs needing the OS upgrade simply won’t make the transition, being either too old or lacking the necessary processing. Businesses must begin planning their migration to Windows 11 early to ensure compatibility with critical software and avoid disruptions and costs during the transition.
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Changes To Cyber Security Regulations
As the cyber threat landscape continues to grow at pace, governments are moving to implement stricter regulations.
The EU has got there first, with frameworks like the Network and Information Systems (NIS2) directive and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
NIS2 expands the scope of organisations required to meet cybersecurity standards, while DORA focuses on ensuring businesses have robust operational resilience against IT risks. Compliance will require SMBs to implement robust security policies, regular risk assessments, and improved incident response capabilities.
Aligning with these regulations not only ensures compliance but also strengthens resilience against evolving cyber threats. And with the UK’s own Cyber Security And Resilience Bill due to hit Parliament in 2025, it’s good for organisations to be on the front foot in terms of cyber security consultancy.
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The End Of ISDN And PSTN…Possibly
2025 was supposed to be the year that Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) were switched off. However, with COVID this date has been pushed back to 2027.
Anyone with keen eyes will not have missed the number of BT and equivalent telecoms vans around at present. This indicates that while the initial deadline has not been met, the roll-out continues at pace.
Businesses still relying on traditional phone systems will need to migrate to digital solutions like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or cloud-based communication platforms.
This change offers an opportunity to embrace more flexible and scalable communication systems. Tools like Microsoft Teams can integrate voice calls, video conferencing, and instant messaging into one platform, streamlining collaboration across teams.
Moving to digital telephony also reduces the reliance on physical infrastructure and enhances business continuity.
Preparing Your Business IT Strategy for 2025
These trends highlight significant shifts in technology that SMBs must prepare for in 2025. Businesses that have a comprehensive IT strategy will be better positioned to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
Akita is an expert partner in supporting SMBs through these changes, offering expertise in IT outsourcing, cyber security, unified communications, IT consultancy and more.
We also work with all our customers to develop comprehensive IT roadmaps and strategies tailored to their goals.
Get in touch today to discover how we can help your business stay ahead of the curve in 2025:
