Gartner, Gemini, Claude, Copilot And ChatGPT—Tech Expertise, Anyone?

At 3:01 PM on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, I got an email from the Gartner Group titled “Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024.” When I saw the list again I decided to ask some other professionals if they had their own lists which may or may not agree with Gartner’s. No surprise here: my always available, free colleagues include Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot. In less than 5 minutes I had their lists. I don’t know how long it took Gartner to develop theirs. (For this exercise I only used free digital consultants.)

But this is not about easily-developed dueling lists. No, it’s about precedent, credibility, standards and most of all expertise. Gartner should be the most worried because it now has really credible competitors – that it helped train! The larger issue is about the source, nature, purpose and relevance of expertise. If we can call upon (free) digital colleagues to solve the same problems that expensive humans try to solve – maybe a little better/maybe a little worse – doesn’t that change the game? It sure does.

Let’s look at the lists and think about expertise and impact. Here’s Gartner’s:

1. AI Trust, Risk and Security Management (AI TRiSM): This focuses on ensuring responsible development and use of AI, with emphasis on managing bias and fairness.
2. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM): With the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, CTEM helps organizations proactively identify and address potential threats.
3. Sustainable Technology: Reducing the environmental impact of technology is a growing priority, with advancements in areas like renewable energy and energy-efficient hardware.
4. Platform Engineering: This trend highlights the importance of building strong foundational platforms to support the development and deployment of applications.
5. AI-Augmented Development: AI tools are increasingly used to assist developers, automating tasks and improving efficiency.
6. Industry Cloud Platforms (ICPs): Specialized cloud platforms tailored to the needs of specific industries are gaining traction.
7. Intelligent Applications: These applications leverage AI and machine learning to automate tasks, personalize user experiences, and make data-driven decisions.
8. Democratized Generative AI: Generative AI, which can create new content like text or images, is becoming more accessible to a wider range of users.
9. Augmented Connected Workforce: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality(VR) technologies are being used to enhance training, collaboration, and remote work experiences.
10. Machine Customers: AI-powered systems that can act as autonomous buyers are emerging, with the potential to transform procurement processes.

Here’s Claude’s:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advances in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision continued to drive AI adoption across industries.
2. Extended Reality (XR): Combining augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies found more real-world applications.
3. Internet of Things (IoT): The proliferation of connected devices and the need for data analytics fueled IoT growth.
4. Quantum Computing: While still nascent, quantum computing showed promise for solving complex computational problems.
5. Cybersecurity Mesh: A distributed architectural approach to better secure modern distributed assets and data.
6. Cloud-Native Platforms: The shift towards micro-services, containers, and server-less architectures accelerated cloud adoption.
7. Hyper-Automation: Using AI and automation to augment processes across organizations.
8. Distributed Cloud: Public cloud services extending to different physical data centers, edge locations.
9. Total Experience (TX): Holistic initiatives to improve user experiences across customer, employee and user touch points.
10. Anywhere Operations: An operating model to enable organizations to truly work from anywhere.

Here’s ChatGPT’s:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Advancements: AI and ML technologies continue to evolve, driving innovations across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, autonomous vehicles, and more.
2. Quantum Computing: Advancements in quantum computing promise to revolutionize fields like cryptography, optimization, and material science by solving complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers.
3. 5G Networks and Edge Computing: The rollout of 5G networks coupled with edge computing capabilities enables faster data transfer, lower latency, and supports the proliferation of IoT devices and applications.
4. Blockchain and Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Blockchain technology is disrupting traditional finance through decentralized finance applications, including cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and decentralized exchanges.
5. Cybersecurity Enhancements: With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, there's a growing emphasis on cybersecurity measures, including AI-driven security analytics, zero-trust architecture, and quantum-resistant cryptography.
6. Internet of Things (IoT) Expansion: IoT adoption continues to grow, connecting devices and systems to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making processes, and create new business models across industries.
7. Extended Reality (XR): Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are advancing, offering immersive experiences in gaming, training, education, healthcare, and more.
8. Sustainable and Green Technologies: With a focus on environmental sustainability, there's increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, green tech solutions, and circular economy practices to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental impact.
9. Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility Solutions: Self-driving cars, drones, and other autonomous vehicles are poised to transform transportation systems, improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
10. Human Augmentation and Bioinformatics: Advancements in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and human augmentation technologies are enabling breakthroughs in personalized medicine, genetic engineering, and health monitoring.

Here’s Gemini’s:

1. Explainable AI (XAI): Building trust in AI by making its decision-making processes transparent and understandable to users.
2. Biotechnology Revolution: Advancements in gene editing, biomaterials, and other biotechnologies with significant applications in healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
3. The Metaverse Takes Shape: The development of infrastructure and tools for a persistent, virtual world with potential applications in work, entertainment, and social interaction.
4. Hyper-automation for Efficiency: The synergy of AI, robotic process automation (RPA), and other technologies to automate a wider range of tasks across industries.
5. Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Significant strides in quantum computing hardware and software, potentially leading to breakthroughs in materials science, drug discovery, and financial modeling.
6. The Democratization of AI: Development of user-friendly tools and platforms that make AI development and application accessible to a wider range of users beyond just data scientists.
7. Focus on Responsible Tech: Increased emphasis on ethical considerations in technology development and deployment, addressing issues like bias, privacy, and environmental impact.
8. The Rise of Ambient Computing: Integrating computing seamlessly into the environment through wearables, smart homes, and other technologies for a more natural and intuitive user experience.
9. Convergence of Physical and Digital Worlds: The blurring of lines between physical and digital realities through technologies like augmented reality (AR) and the Internet of Things (IoT), creating new possibilities for interaction and data collection.
10. The Ascendancy of Cybersecurity: With the increasing reliance on technology and growing cyber threats, advanced cybersecurity solutions and a focus on proactive threat prevention will be crucial.

Copilot also has a list:

1. Quantum Leap in Computing: Quantum computing will continue to advance, unlocking new possibilities in cryptography, optimization, and scientific simulations. Organizations will explore quantum algorithms and applications.
2. Decentralized Web and Blockchain Evolution: Decentralized technologies like blockchain will mature, leading to more efficient, secure, and transparent systems. We’ll witness innovations in decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain management, and digital identity.
3. Ethical AI and Explainable Models: As AI becomes integral to decision-making, there will be a heightened focus on ethical AI practices. Explainable AI models will gain prominence, ensuring transparency and accountability.
4. Edge Intelligence and IoT Mesh Networks: Edge computing will flourish, enabling real-time data processing at the edge of networks. IoT devices will form mesh networks, enhancing connectivity and enabling distributed applications.
5. Biotechnology and Digital Health: The convergence of biotechnology, genomics, and digital health will revolutionize healthcare. Personalized medicine, wearable health devices, and telemedicine will shape the future of well-being.
6. Climate Tech and Sustainability Solutions: Technology will play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. Innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture will gain momentum.
7. Human-Machine Symbiosis: Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and brain-computer interfaces will blur the lines between humans and machines. Collaborative interactions will redefine productivity and creativity.
8. Resilient Cybersecurity: Organizations will adopt proactive cybersecurity measures, emphasizing threat detection, zero-trust architectures, and robust incident response. AI-driven security solutions will evolve.
9. Space Exploration and Satellite Mega-Constellations: Private companies and governments will accelerate space exploration. Satellite mega-constellations will enhance global connectivity, weather monitoring, and Earth observation.
10. Quantified Self and Biohacking: Individuals will embrace biohacking, using wearables, implants, and personalized data to optimize health, cognition, and longevity.

The lists – all developed from the same prompt – have similarities and differences. But who’s “right” – and does it even matter? If I want a specific list I can just ask. I can ask Gemini – for free – about the technology trends I should focus on the most. For example:

“I'm in the sports betting industry. Which strategic technology trends should I focus on the most?”

“Given your focus on the sports betting industry, here are the top 3 strategic technology trends you should prioritize in 2024:

“Personalized Experiences with AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML): This trend offers immense potential for the sports betting industry. AI/ML can analyze user data (betting history, preferences, etc.) to create personalized recommendations, adjust odds dynamically based on real-time factors, and even offer in-play betting suggestions. This level of personalization can significantly enhance user engagement and potentially increase revenue.

“Immersive Experiences with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Imagine placing a bet while feeling virtually transported to the stadium, or using AR overlays to view real-time statistics on top of a live broadcast. VR and AR can create a more interactive and engaging betting experience, potentially attracting new customers and increasing their investment in wagers.

“Frictionless Transactions with Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies: Blockchain offers transparency, security, and potentially faster transaction processing compared to traditional methods. Cryptocurrencies can provide a more private and efficient way to handle deposits and withdrawals. Integrating these technologies can streamline the betting process, improve user trust, and potentially attract new customers comfortable with crypto transactions.”

I spent 30 seconds on that one. Or I could spend a few minutes and ask a bunch of digital consultants what they think. I can pursue lots of “second opinions,” something that’s hard to do in the human/physical world unless I have deep pockets and lots of time.

Companies that sell ideas need to examine expertise, how they package, differentiate and sell ideas and how they can cost-effectively compete with “Einstein in the Basement.” Or maybe they should just ask the same digital consultants what they think before they meet with their clients (hoping their clients haven’t done the same thing).

Yes, it’s getting weird out there, and this is only the beginning.