The year 2025 promises to be filled with both exciting opportunities and critical challenges for IT specialists, according to musings of Rob Batters, Director of Technical and Managed Services at IT consultancy Northdoor PLC. We consider the key trends Batters predicts and how they could impact IT contractors.
Batters says in a December report, “2024 was undoubtedly a year of seismic change in the UK. A new government came into power and delivered a subsequent UK budget which represents a significant tax burden – which will impact UK businesses both large and small in 2025. This has all happened against an economic backdrop of tightening regulations, ongoing geopolitical turmoil, and wavering consumer trust, where change and uncertainty has become the new normal.”
Cybersecurity
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses and governments are prioritising cybersecurity more than ever. This translates into a surge in demand for skilled IT contractors. Therefore, staying ahead of the cybersecurity learning curve is crucial.
Fine-Grained Authorisation (FGA) is rapidly gaining traction, surpassing traditional Role-Based Access Control as applications grow in complexity. Mastering FGA implementation and management will be a significant advantage in securing lucrative contracts.
Furthermore, organisations are increasingly aware of the risks associated with shadow data – those hidden pockets of information that exist outside their security perimeter. Your expertise in data management and security becomes invaluable in identifying and mitigating these vulnerabilities.
Adding to the complexity, The implementation of NIS2 and DORA in 2025 will further increase the demand for IT contractors who can help businesses navigate these complex regulations and ensure compliance.
According to Kroll, 17 October 17, 2024 was the deadline for implementing NIS2. However, companies have a little longer to comply with DORA because the date for implementation is January 17, 2025. The PSD2 is active throughout the EU, but proposed changes to the regulation are likely to come in within the next few years.
AI and High-Performance Computing
The arrival of NVIDIA Blackwell marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI and high-performance computing. Companies such as Cooler Master, AVC, and newcomers Auras and Delta are emerging as major suppliers for Nvidia’s cooling components. This technological leap opens doors to a wealth of opportunities for IT contractors with specialised skill sets.
As businesses across various sectors explore the transformative potential of AI, your expertise in AI development, machine learning, and deep learning will be highly sought after. Moreover, the increased accessibility of high-performance computing through platforms like NVIDIA Blackwell creates a surge in demand for contractors focusing on data analysis, scientific computing, and simulations.
Thriving in a Dynamic Environment
While 2025 presents exciting prospects, navigating the evolving terrain requires strategic foresight and a proactive approach. Economic volatility may lead to budget constraints and increased competition, demanding that you effectively demonstrate your value and expertise to secure contracts.
As The Freelance Informer has previously reported, staying abreast of the latest technological advancements and continuously upskilling is paramount to maintaining a competitive edge. Cultivating specialisation in key areas like FGA, shadow data mitigation, AI integration, and high-performance computing will help elevate your profile for domestic and international clients.
Actively engaging in professional development and leveraging your network to stay informed about industry and hiring trends could also enhance your ability to thrive in 2025.
Widen your horizons as an informed freelancer.
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