With landmark initiatives announced to forge new frontiers in Europe’s digital sovereignty, including the €200bn AI pledge and unprecedented emphasis on quantum, cloud, semiconductors and data storage, a sense of urgency is sweeping across the continent to reimagine the status quo and reshape critical tech infrastructures.

Perfectly timed to harness Europe’s inherent innovation prowess and catapult its position among leading digital economies is [GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything](https://event.gitex-europe.com/visitor-registration/?utm_source=thecymes&utm_medium=mediapartner&utm_campaign=20250428-gitexeurope25-visitors-partner) (21-23 May, Messe Berlin). The world’s third largest economy and host nation for GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, Germany’s role as the European economic and technology chieftain comes into sharp focus, as transatlantic tensions ramp up in the race for global digital and AI leadership. Germany’s ICT sector is projected to reach €232.8bn in 2025 (Statista).

![](img/europe-s-largest-inaugural-tech-startups-and-digital-investment-event-will-converge-the-region-s-most-innovative-startups-scaleups-smes-and-unicorns.jpg)

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, now emerging as Europe’s largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event, is organised by KAOUN International and hosted in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, and the European Innovation Council (EIC). 

Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises said: “Partnering with one of the largest tech and startup global events and hosting the debut of GITEX EUROPE in Berlin strengthens our commitment to solidifying Germany’s position as a global magnet for investment and frontier-pushing technologies, spearheading Europe’s edge in the next digital decade.”

## Global Tech Openly Engages for Cross-Border, Cross-Industry Partnerships

The momentous first edition brings together over 1,400 big tech enterprises, startups and SMEs, including platinum sponsors AWS and IBM, alongside Cisco, Cloudflare, Dell, Fortinet, Lenovo, NTT, Nutanix, Nvidia, Opswat, and SAP, to forge consensus in new partnerships and business outcomes for more agile, business-friendly, and responsible global digital systems. GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything shall present the most global tech and startup event with a sterling lineup of tech companies from over 100 countries and 34 European states, including tech pavilions from India, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, UK, UAE, and more. 

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX worldwide, shared: “Amid the AI whirlwinds, there is a coordinated consensus and renewed urgency and unity across Europe to assert its digital sovereignty and leadership as a global innovation force. The region is paving its way as a centre-stage where AI, quantum and deep tech supremacy will be debated, developed, and scaled, and GITEX EUROPE strategically hosted in this vantage nexus and watershed time in history shall define Europe’s technological future in an epoch where leadership is earned through bold action and solidarity.”

## Influential Global Leaders Address EU’s Critical Tech Crossroads

Over 500 global speakers - nearly half addressing the tech community for the first time on a German tech stage – debate the new strategic priorities, from AI and quantum supremacy to cloud and data sovereignty. Among the global headliners are Geoffrey Hinton, Physics Nobel Laureate (2024), ‘Godfather of AI’, and the neural network pioneer who sparked worldwide debate by questioning AI consequences; Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin; H.E. Jelena Begović, Serbian Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation; António Henriques, CEO, Bison Bank; Jager McConnell, CEO, Crunchbase; Mark Surman, President, Mozilla; and Sandro Gianella, Head of Europe & Middle East Policy & Partnerships, OpenAI.

## Europe’s Boldest Moves in AI, Deep Tech & Quantum 

Europe is building its own AI frontier, focused on cross-sector use-cases, new investments and international partnerships. Ai Everything Europe, the event’s flagship AI showcase and conference, brings together one of the biggest convergences of AI architects, startups and investors presenting the full scale, depth and global influence of AI ecosystems. 

Influential AI experts address the sector’s most urgent topics on-stage, from EuroStack ambitions to tangible implications of agentic AI, with speakers including Martin Kon, President and COO, Cohere, the $5.5bn Canadian AI unicorn; Daniel Verten, Strategy Partner, Synthesia, $2.1bn UK-based unicorn backed by Nvidia; and Prof. Dr. Antonio Krueger, CEO of German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Across the show-floor, diverse AI breakthroughs come to life, from Brazil’s Ubivis presenting smart factories powered by IoT and Digital Twins to Hexis’ AI-driven nutrition trusted by 500+ Olympic and elite athletes.

With nearly €7 billion in quantum investment, second only to China, Europe is accelerating its push for quantum leadership by 2030. GITEX Quantum Expo (GQX), in partnership with IBM and QuIC - Europe’s largest quantum industry association, dives into advanced quantum research and cross-industry impact with exclusive showcases and conferences. Speakers include Mira Wolf-Bauwens, Responsible Quantum Computing Lead, IBM Research, Switzerland; Joachim Mnich, Director of Research & Computing, CERN, Switzerland; Neil Abroug, Head of the French National Quantum Strategy, INRIA; and Jan Goetz, CEO & Co-Founder, IQM Quantum Computers, Finland.

Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow, Vice President Europe and Africa and Director IBM Research Zurich said: “IBM’s investments in AI and quantum computing directly reflect our commitment to Europe, and underscore the key role of collaboration with industry, academia and policymakers for a pan-European ecosystem. These state-of-the-art technologies and facilities will foster innovation, creating new opportunities for talent attraction and ensuring that Europe will always be at the forefront of global technological advancements.”

### Cyber Valley: Building A United Resilient Cyber Frontline 

With cloud breaches doubling and AI-driven attacks complicating the equation, threat response and cyber resilience is a core focus at the event. Fortinet, CrowdStrike, Kaspersky, Knowbe4, Proofpoint join a host of leading cyber companies exhibiting at GITEX Cyber Valley, alongside law enforcement leaders, global CISOs, and policymakers on-stage, including Brig. Gen. Dr. Volker Pötzsch, Chief of Division Cyber/IT & AI, Federal Ministry of Defence, Germany; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government; Miguel De Bruycker, Managing Director General, Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium; and Ugo Vignolo Lutati, Group CISO, Prada Group.

### GITEX Green Impact: Advancing Climate Imperatives for a Sustainable Future

GITEX Green Impact connects the real accelerators of the green transition - innovators and investors - with over 100 startups and investors exploring how green hydrogen, bioenergy, and next-gen energy storage are moving from R&D to deployment. Key speakers are Gavin Towler, Chief Scientist for Sustainability Technologies & CTO, Honeywell; Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer, Airbus; Lisa Reehten, Managing Director, Bosch Climate Solutions; Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office; and Mounir Benaija, CTO - EV & Charging Infrastructure, TotalEnergies. 

### Convening the Largest and Best Global Startup Ecosystem Amongst 60+ Nations 

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything launches North Star Europe, the debut edition of the world’s largest startup event (Expand North Star), gathering over 750 startups and 20 global unicorns - Qonto, Flutterwave, reMarkable, TransferMate, Solarisbank AG, Bolt, Flix, and Glovo.

The event features a curated international collection of early and growth-stage startups from Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, UK, UAE and more. Among the top startups, Neurocast.ai (Netherlands) advancing AI-powered neurotech for Alzheimer’s research, CloudBees (Switzerland) - the delivery unicorn backed by Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Lightspeed, and Semiqon (Finland), the world’s first CMOS transistor with the ability to perform in cryogenic conditions. 

Scouting new funding opportunities will be over 600 investors with $1tn assets under management (AUM), including Germany’s Earlybird VC, Austria’s SpeedInvest, Switzerland’s B2Venture, Estonia’s Startup Wise Guys, and USA’s SOSV. GITEX ScaleX launches as a first-of-its-kind growth platform for scale-ups and late-stage companies, in partnership with AWS. 

With SMEs making up 99% of European businesses, GITEX SMEDEX connects SMEs with international trade networks and investors, for funding, legal advisory and market access to scale innovations globally. Backed by EISMEA and ICC Digital Standards Initiative, the event features key SME ecosystem leaders advising on stage, including Milena Stoycheva, Chairperson of Board of Innovation, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria; and Oliver Grün, President, European Digital SME Alliance and BITMi; among others.

GITEX EUROPE is part of the GITEX global network tech and startup events, taking place in Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE. For more information, please visit: [www.gitex-europe.com](https://www.gitex-europe.com/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=press-release&utm_campaign=announcement).

### About GITEX EUROPE

![](img/gitex-europe-x-ai-everything-2025-to-debut-from-21-23-may-at-messe-berlin-germany.jpg)

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025, Europe’s most global, collaborative, and cross-industry tech event, taking place from May 21–23, 2025, at Messe Berlin, Germany. Convening over 1,400 exhibiting enterprises, SMEs and startups from 100-plus countries, alongside over 500 expert speakers across AI, Deep Tech, Quantum, Cybersecurity, Connectivity, Smart Cities, Green Tech, and many more, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is advancing the continent’s digital future in partnership with the world. This inaugural edition is featuring the new SMEDEX, GITEX SCALEX, and GQX, and bringing to Germany the world’s largest and best-rated startup and investor event – North Star Europe. GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is seamlessly connected with GITEX network of tech and startup events, taking place in Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE. More information, please visit: [www.gitex-europe.com](https://www.gitex-europe.com/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=press-release&utm_campaign=announcement)


Innovation, investment and government leaders set to meet at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything,  21-23 May, Messe Berlin, the continent’s largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event.

Reigniting an Open, Bold & Collaborative  European Digital Economy Amidst €200bn AI Ambitions

# The Rise of Digital Twins: When AI Builds a Second You

The line between real life and virtual life is getting thinner by the day. And one of the clearest signs of this shift? The rise of digital twins.

These aren’t just robotic replicas or cold simulations anymore. We’re talking about fully AI-powered versions of ourselves — personalities that can chat, think, make decisions, and even learn like we do. It’s one of the fastest-growing ideas in tech, and it’s shaking up everything from how we work and learn to how we remember people after they’re gone. If it sounds like science fiction, that’s because it used to be. But not anymore.

So, what exactly are digital twins? How are they made with AI? And what happens when your “other self” starts becoming smarter, more responsive, and maybe even more useful than the real you?

Let’s break it down.

## What Are Digital Twins?

![](img/the-concept-of-digital-twin-digital-twins-in-healthcare-are-virtual-models-that.png)

Digital twins started out in a pretty different place — engineering and manufacturing. Back in the early 2000s, companies like NASA and General Electric developed virtual models of machines so they could run simulations, predict breakdowns, and optimize performance without having to test the real thing.

The core idea was simple: create a digital version of something physical, feed it real-world data, and use it to make smarter decisions. That concept worked so well that it spread fast — to cities, hospitals, and now, people.

Today, we’re seeing digital twins of patients used in healthcare to test treatments. City planners use twin models of urban areas to understand traffic patterns, energy usage, and pollution in real time. And increasingly, we’re seeing digital twins applied on a personal level — from AI bots that mimic your writing style to virtual assistants that can finish your thoughts.

## How AI Is Powering Human-Like Twins

What’s making these digital twins feel less like software and more like people? The short answer: AI.

Artificial intelligence — especially through tools like natural language processing and machine learning — can now analyze mountains of data. It picks up how you speak, how you write, your favorite phrases, your emotional tone, and even the choices you’re likely to make in certain situations.

For example, apps like Replika offer users an AI companion that mimics conversation and learns from every chat to become more emotionally intelligent over time. In the world of video and media, tools like Synthesia or Hour One let people clone their face and voice to produce ultra-realistic video content — without ever standing in front of a camera.

There’s also a more emotional side to this. Services like HereAfter AI help people record interviews and memories, then use AI to turn those recordings into interactive chatbots. Families can then talk to a digital version of a loved one who’s passed away — keeping their voice, personality, and stories alive.

And this is just the beginning. These tools are becoming cheaper, faster, and easier to use — making digital twin technology accessible to everyday people, not just engineers or researchers.

## What About the Ethics?

As with any powerful technology, digital twins come with serious ethical baggage. For starters, there’s the question of consent. Can someone create a digital version of you using your public data — your photos, your tweets, your videos? And who owns that replica: you, the person who made it, or the platform that hosts it?

There’s also a big issue with privacy. These systems often rely on deeply personal data — things you’ve said, done, or even forgotten. If that data is misused or leaked, the consequences could be serious. Not only could it harm your reputation, but it could create confusion between the real you and the digital you.

Deepfakes are already raising alarms around trust and manipulation. As digital twins become more convincing, it becomes harder to tell what's real — which could be dangerous in politics, media, and personal relationships.

And here's the biggest philosophical question: if your twin starts acting on your behalf — sending emails, giving advice, making decisions — where do you end and it begin?

## The Psychological Side of Digital Twins

![](img/dto-reflections.jpg)

It’s not just about technology. It’s about people — how we think, feel, and relate to the world around us. And when you bring digital twins into that space, things get complicated.

On the positive side, AI twins can provide real emotional support. People going through grief might find comfort in talking to an AI version of someone they’ve lost. Teens or adults struggling with mental health might benefit from a chatbot that listens, responds with empathy, and never judges.

They can also be used in education or training, offering personalized guidance based on a learner’s needs, style, and pace.

But there are downsides. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who spent a lot of time interacting with AI companions formed emotional bonds — sometimes to the point where the line between real and artificial blurred. That kind of attachment could lead to confusion, disconnection from real relationships, or even dependency.

And what happens when your digital twin starts acting in ways that don’t align with who you are anymore? AI models evolve based on data — but people change based on life. The two versions could drift apart.

## How Digital Twins Could Change Society

Zooming out, the rise of digital twins could reshape society itself.

In classrooms, we might see students learning from virtual tutors that match their exact learning style and even mirror their voice. In the workplace, companies could use digital twins of top employees to train new hires or test strategies. In the dating world, apps might someday let you interact with AI versions of potential matches before you ever meet in person.

Even social media could change. Instead of static profiles, we might soon interact with dynamic, always-online versions of ourselves — ones that post, reply, and share ideas even while we sleep.

This raises big questions. Will people start building relationships with AI personalities instead of real humans? Will we trust digital twins more than each other? Could this improve social connection — or completely disrupt it?

## What’s Coming Next

If the last few years are any clue, the future of digital twins is moving fast.

Tech giants like Meta are already working on AI personalities for virtual reality spaces. Apple is exploring more personalized digital assistants. And new startups are racing to create "mind files" — massive databases of a person's thoughts, memories, and preferences — that could someday fuel posthumous digital lives.

We might see digital twins that understand our emotions and adjust their behavior in real time. We could have career versions of ourselves that sit in virtual meetings, negotiate deals, and file reports. Our AI twins might eventually live across all our devices — phones, cars, smart homes, and even metaverse avatars — becoming a seamless second self.

It’s no longer a question of if this will happen. It’s a question of how far it will go — and whether we’re prepared for what it means.

## In Summary

Digital twins started out as tools for engineers. But today, they’re becoming deeply personal. They can talk like us, think like us, and sometimes even feel like us. Thanks to AI, your digital self might soon be just as real as your physical one — at least in the eyes of those who interact with it.

This technology opens up a world of possibilities — and challenges. It forces us to rethink identity, ethics, relationships, and even what it means to be human. And while there’s no single right answer, one thing’s for sure: digital twins are here, and they’re not going away.

![](img/1_ezmmpeycnnhmwjwlspffia.png)

## Think About This

What would your digital twin be like? Would it reflect who you are right now — or evolve into someone new?

As this space grows, take a moment to reflect. Are you ready to share your mind with an algorithm? And more importantly — who gets to shape that version of you?

If you’re curious, keep exploring. There’s a lot more to learn about the future of digital identity — and the double life we’re all about to live.


Learn how digital twins change our lives!

Digital twins: How AI is creating alternative personalities — and what that means for us

# Future trends in IT: What to expect in 2025

We all know, that the IT field is changing very quickly. Fast technology improvements are transforming industries, making new chances, and bringing special challenges. Keeping up with such trends is thus important for success for both workers and companies. Based on recent predictions and industry knowledge, this article considers the main trends that will shape the IT sector in 2025.

## 1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

### AI is on top!

Of course, we can’t but refer to artificial intelligence dominating the talks within the tech world. From routine daunting tasks to making complex decisions, it has a great impact on different industries. With AI technologies advancing, there has been a fast rise in demand for professionals skilled in AI and machine learning.

### What to learn?

The aspiring tech professional should be geared toward:

* Machine Learning basics: In order to work in AI, you need to understand linear regression, neural networks, and the algorithms behind them. You can lay a strong foundation by taking courses and online tutorials.
* Big data: Learn how to handle large datasets, which are important for training AI models. Knowledge of data preprocessing methods and visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI will give you an upper hand.
* Cloud platforms for AI: Google AI and AWS Sagemaker are two important platforms for using AI applications. Learning how to use these platforms will make your work easier and improve your projects.

### Real-time AI models

Developing AI models that can be used in real time is an increasingly important area. This trend will help businesses make decisions in a timely manner using real-time data, improving efficiency and shortening response times.

### Case studies

Look to the healthcare sector, where AI is applied to the examination of medical images for the discovery of diseases. Companies like Zebra Medical Vision are using AI programs that can find problems like pneumonia and breast cancer more precisely than some human radiologists. This saves time and greatly improves the level of patient care.

### Challenges and considerations

Although AI has huge benefits, it also comes with challenges:

* Ethical issues: The use of AI gives rise to ethical issues concerning privacy, bias, and decision-making. Companies need to address these issues with care.
* Job displacement: Automation can displace jobs in some sectors, bringing about social challenges that need to be addressed.
* Data dependency: AI models require large amounts of good quality data that are often difficult to obtain and manage properly.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexif0hbdyz53u3bi.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## 2. Cybersecurity

### The growing need for cybersecurity

With more devices linking to the internet and breaches in data occurring frequently, cybersecurity has become very important today. In 2025, organizations will focus on security in protecting sensitive information to gain customer trust.

### Challenges and considerations 

Cybersecurity has its challenges: 

* Constantly evolving threats: Cyber threats keep changing, so ongoing training and adjustment of strategies are needed.
* Resource constraints: Many organizations lack the resources to implement comprehensive security measures, leaving them vulnerable.
* Compliance issues: Navigating the complex landscape of regulations can be daunting for companies, especially those operating in multiple jurisdictions.

## 3. Cloud computing development

### The shift to cloud technologies

The movement to cloud-based solutions is something that will most likely continue growing. Companies are adopting platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud in order to improve the management of their systems. This change does not only bring about cost savings but also brings about scalability and flexibility.

### Important learning areas

To remain relevant in this field, consider learning about the following:

* Containerization and orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes are some of the critical technologies for app containerization, ensuring the app and its constituent parts can be packaged and work seamlessly, regardless of changes in locations or situations. 
* CI/CD automation: Knowledge of Jenkins and GitHub Actions will go a long way toward continuous integration and deployment. Continuous integration and delivery practices help development teams deliver more frequently and reliably than ad-hoc methods. 
* DevOps integration: Integration of development and operations (DevOps) practices will gain more ground, where teams can collaborate with each other to fast-track processes. Most organizations that adopt the DevOps methodologies report reduced time-to-market and an increase in the quality of the product.

### Industry examples

A company like Netflix has been able to implement these practices of DevOps and thus deploy codes thousands of times in a day. This agility enables them to quickly respond to user feedback and remain ahead of their competitors.

Challenges and considerations

Cloud computing has benefits, but also challenges:

* Data security: Keeping private information in the cloud makes one worried about data breaching and regulation compliance.
* Vendor lock-in: Companies could become so reliant on a particular cloud provider that switching between providers or relocating their data becomes difficult or impossible.
* Downtime risks: Issues or outage from the side of the cloud service provider may interrupt business activities.

## 4. Rust: The language of the future

### The rise of Rust

Rust is increasingly popular for its emphasis on performance and safety. Many groups are turning to Rust to put a stop to memory leaks and ensure safe multithreading. This systems programming language is designed to keep memory safe without sacrificing performance, which makes it a great choice for developers.

### Learning Rust

To get ahead of this trend, consider focusing on:

* Rust basics: Learning the basics of a language via online courses or community resources. Involvement in the Rust community can be rewarding in terms of insight and assistance.
* High-Performance apps: Learning how to write applications where high performance is a must, as Rust really shines at building system-level, game development software, and more.
* WebAssembly (Wasm): How Rust can be used in WebAssembly for web development. This pairing enables developers to run high-performance applications in web browsers.

### Industry adoption

As more and more companies adopt Rust, knowledge of this language will give a competitive advantage in the job market. Companies like Mozilla and Dropbox are already using Rust in production, showing its increasing importance.

### Challenges and considerations

While Rust is full of good things, there are also some difficulties:

* Steep learning curve: The special ownership system and the strict rules from the compiler may make Rust hard to learn for developers.
* Limited resources: Rust has fewer libraries and frameworks compared to older languages, which can make development slower.
* Community size: The Rust community is growing but is still smaller compared to the communities for languages like Python or Java, which reduces opportunities to collaborate.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexifsbusfclynsel.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## 5. Quantum computing

### The future of computing

Quantum computing is not some vague idea about the future; it's slowly becoming a reality. Companies like IBM and Google lead the way with cloud access to quantum computers. It can solve problems that classical computers cannot handle, in particular, in areas like cryptography, material science, and complex system simulations.

### Learning quantum computing

The professional should focus on the following areas in order to get into this niche field:

* Quantum physics basics: The professionals should first learn quantum mechanics, which is the basis for quantum computing. Online courses and academic resources can provide a solid foundation.
* Quantum programming languages: Familiarity with languages such as Qiskit and Cirq, designed for writing quantum algorithms.
* Algorithm development: This skill will be indispensable once quantum computing becomes more mainstream.

### Quantum Computing case studies

In 2023, researchers at Google presented a quantum algorithm that greatly decreased the time needed to solve some optimization problems. This achievement created new opportunities for industries like finance and logistics, showing the powerful potential of quantum computing. 

### Challenges and considerations 

Quantum computing has several challenges: 

* Technical complexity: The technology is still new, and making quantum algorithms needs special skills.
* High costs: Construction and maintenance of quantum computers are expensive, making them less accessible to many organizations.
* Uncertain regulation: Regulatory frameworks for quantum technology are still being worked out as it develops, creating uncertainty for businesses.

## 6. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Augmented and virtual reality technologies are increasingly becoming part of several sectors, including entertainment, healthcare, and education. Their immersive capabilities are changing user experiences and opening up new avenues of engagement.

### Skills for AR/VR development

You should focus on 3D design basics to get started with AR/VR. Understanding the basic rules of 3D design is needed to create interesting environments. Industry-standard programs for 3D modeling include Blender and Maya. The VR/AR programming requires you to learn languages like C# and C++ to make experiences engaging. Knowledge of how to use game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine will also be useful.

### Industry applications

AR/VR is increasingly being used in training, gaming, and even virtual meetings. For example, VR in healthcare trains students on surgical procedures without the risks associated with performing real surgeries, increasing learning and better preparing students for real-world challenges.

### Challenges and considerations

While there are many exciting opportunities within AR/VR, there are also some important challenges to consider:

* High development Costs: The resource intensiveness of AR/VR content creation can discourage investment by smaller organizations.
* User adoption: It can also prove difficult to get users to adopt and use AR/VR technologies as not everyone is comfortable with the idea of immersion.
* Technical limitations: The quality and accessibility of AR/VR experiences may also be constrained by hardware limitations, affecting user satisfaction.

## 7. The importance of continuing learning

### Keeping up with the fast-paced industry

As technology changes, so must your skills. There is a need for continuous learning to remain competitive in IT. Things can change fast, so what matters today may not matter tomorrow.

### Lifelong learning mindset

Cultivate a lifelong learning mindset. Be open to new challenges and new areas to explore. With this kind of thinking, you will be able to adjust to change and seize opportunities as they arise.

Developing a problem-solving mindset is something that you can't afford to overlook in IT. The ability to analyze challenges, think critically, and find innovative solutions will make you stand out in the competitive job market.

## So, what can we wait for in this field?

The IT world in 2025 will be  filled with opportunities. Workers can prepare for success by paying attention to important trends such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, programming languages like Rust, quantum computing, and AR/VR. These fields will require continuing learning and improvement of skills to move forward.

We want you to know that flexibility and openness to new technologies will be your greatest strengths. The road ahead may be tough, but the rewards that can be reaped are huge!


What technologies will determine the IT sphere in 2025? Explore future trends and learn how to prepare for change to remain a sought-after specialist.

The future IT trends of 2025: What to do to stay afloat

## What Is Open Source Software?

Open source has long since ceased to be an exclusive environment for enthusiasts and student hackathons. Today, open source is the foundation of the infrastructure that powers the largest cloud services, artificial intelligence systems, financial solutions, and even government platforms.

It is not just a convenient format - it is a strategic decision. Both for businesses and government agencies.

Open source often offers an unobvious advantage: freedom. The ability not to be tied to one vendor. Control the development of technology. Move faster than your competitors.

If you are a manager or a decision-maker in a company, you should understand how open source works and why it is valuable not only for engineers but also for the business as a whole.

Unlike proprietary (closed) software, open source does not require expensive licences or customisation restrictions. This gives product development teams the freedom to launch MVPs faster, test hypotheses, and change the architecture. In critical systems, it is also a matter of trust and security: you know exactly how the code works and who worked on it.

## How Open Source Software Works

Open source is all about collaboration. Code is stored on public repositories such as GitHub or GitLab. It can be reviewed, commented on, and improved by engineers from all over the world. Each change is recorded, checked in, and then either accepted into the main branch or rejected with arguments. It's very similar to peer review in science, only faster and more practical.

In open source projects, there are maintainers - those who maintain the product, approve changes, and set the direction. This doesn't mean chaos - on the contrary, in many projects, the processes are better organised than in some corporate teams.

What's important: businesses can either use open source projects without changes or create their own forks (code branches) and adapt solutions to their internal needs. In the corporate sector, this provides tremendous flexibility: your engineers can quickly adapt systems to current tasks - from changing the API structure to integrating with an ML model or an internal database.

## Benefits of Open Source Software for Business

For businesses, open source is not just about being free. It's about speed, control, and long-term savings.

1. Full transparency. You can see how the system works. You can evaluate the quality of the code, security, and understand the architecture - without guesswork and black boxes. This is critical for financial, medical, or governmental decisions.

2. Flexibility. No need to wait for the vendor to release an update. The team can independently change the functionality, optimise processes, or integrate a new module. This is especially valuable in a fast-paced environment, such as retail or logistics.

3. More secure architecture. Contrary to popular myth, open source solutions can be more secure than proprietary ones. A large number of participants check the code and fix vulnerabilities, often faster than vendors.

4. Long-term savings. Initial integration may require investment, but then there are minimal costs for licences, scaling, or adaptation to new conditions.

5. Community. You are not alone. Your team can get support, experience of other developers, and ready-made solutions from many countries around the world. This speeds up product development and reduces technical risks.

## Challenges and Risks of Open Source Software

Open source gives freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. Businesses should understand not only the benefits but also the limitations of this approach.

1. Lack of official technical support. If something goes wrong, you won't be able to quickly call a call centre. The company either needs to have a strong internal technical team or cooperate with partners who can take care of it.

2. Choosing among thousands of projects. There are often several open source solutions for the same task. Not all of them are stable or actively supported. You need technical expertise to distinguish a live project from an outdated one.

3. Legal nuances. Licences like GPL, MIT, or Apache have their limitations. Some of them require you to open the code of your product if you modify it. This should be taken into account before launching the project.

4. Customisation costs. The software itself is free, but its integration, adaptation, and support require time and resources. It is not always cheaper than a closed off-the-shelf solution.

5. The human factor. Open source projects are sometimes created and managed by individual enthusiasts or small teams. If the project leader stops supporting it, there will be no updates. And the business will have to look for an alternative or take over support.

## Popular Examples of Open Source Software

![Image from Michalsons](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexifrszxoee6inwx.jpg "Image from Michalsons")

Image from [Michalsons](https://www.michalsons.com/blog/important-software-own-or-license/10969)



Open source has long ceased to be "pure enthusiasm" - today it is a fundamental tool used by global corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and independent developers. Many of them are industry standards.

### Linux - The operating system that runs the Internet

What it is: A free and open-source Unix-like operating system. It has dozens of distributions, from Ubuntu and Fedora to Red Hat and Arch Linux.

Who uses it:

* Google (Gmail and Android servers are also based on Linux)
* Amazon Web Services
* NASA
* CERN
* Banking sector (due to security and stability)

What it replaces: Windows Server, macOS Server

Advantages: control, free licence, stability, secure architecture

Disadvantages: requires more technical knowledge for administration

### WordPress - The engine of 40% of websites in the world

What it is: An open source CMS for creating websites of any type - blogs, online stores, corporate portals.

Who uses it:

* TechCrunch
* Bloomberg Professional
* BBC America
* The Walt Disney Company (several projects)

What it replaces: Wix, Squarespace, Webflow

Advantages: hundreds of thousands of plugins, themes, and extensions. You can customise everything from SEO to email newsletters

Disadvantages: requires maintenance (but it makes the site more flexible)

### Mozilla Firefox - The browser that doesn't follow you

What it is: A free and open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation.

Who uses it:

* Journalists, governments, and private companies - for privacy reasons
* Available on Linux, Windows, macOS

What it replaces: Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge

Advantages: minimal tracking, extensions without data collection

Fact: Firefox was the first to introduce private mode and tracker blocking

### Blender - Free 3D studio for everyone

What it is: An open source platform for 3D modelling, animation, rendering, VFX and even video editing.

Who uses it:

* Netflix (in animation production)
* Ubisoft.
* NASA for 3D visualisation

What it replaces: Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D

Advantages: zero price, regular updates, training resources

Fact: Blender is funded by Epic Games, NVIDIA, AMD, Unity

### LibreOffice - A subscription-free alternative to Office

What it is: An open source office suite: Writer (texts), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), etc.

Who uses it:

* Universities, schools, government agencies
* NGOs that cannot afford paid packages

What it replaces: Microsoft Office, Google Docs

Advantages: full offline work, support for all formats

Disadvantages: slightly less user-friendly interface, fewer integrations

### PostgreSQL / MySQL - Reliability in data storage

What it is: The most popular open-source databases in the world.

PostgreSQL: Strong in complex queries, transactional processing

MySQL: Simple, stable, ideal for websites

Who uses it:

* Instagram (PostgreSQL)
* Facebook (MySQL)
* TripAdvisor
* Spotify

What it replaces: Oracle DB, Microsoft SQL Server

Advantages: free licence, scalability, large community

Disadvantages: less developed support for complex business processes (in MySQL)

### TensorFlow - Open source for machine learning

What it is: A framework for building ML/AI models, supported by Google.

Who uses it:

* Google Search, Google Translate
* Airbus (flight analysis)
* PayPal (anti-fraud)
* Airbnb (recommendations)

What it replaces: IBM Watson Studio, Azure Machine Learning, Amazon SageMaker

Advantages: free licence, scalability, Python support, active ecosystem

Fact: TensorFlow is the basis of many Google AI services

![Open source software vs. Proprietary software: What to choose](img/снимок-экрана-2025-06-25-180246.jpg "Open source software vs. Proprietary software: What to choose")

Open source is not just an alternative to commercial products. It has been one of the main drivers of technological progress over the past 20 years. The reasons are practical.

1. Open source accelerates development. Thousands of developers around the world see the code, test it, and suggest improvements. This creates the effect of a shared brain: problems are found faster, solutions appear earlier.

2. Research institutes and businesses work together. Many breakthrough technologies (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch, Kubernetes) have emerged as open source projects. The academic community publishes ideas, and engineers build tools that can be immediately applied in practice.

3. Rapid prototyping. For start-ups or R&D departments, the use of open source allows them to launch an MVP in weeks, not months. The platform is already available - you just need to adapt it to your task.

4. Open standards instead of vendor lock-in. If a solution is built on an open stack, it is easier to scale, integrate, or migrate. This gives businesses flexibility and independence.

5. Community as a value. When you work with open source software, you are not alone. There are forums, documentation, and enthusiasts. This does not always replace support, but it definitely speeds up learning and solving common issues.

## Open Source vs. Proprietary Software

For business, the key question is not just ‘what is it?’ but ‘what to choose?’. Open source and proprietary software have their strengths and weaknesses. And it all depends on the task.

Access to the code vs. closed source. In the case of open source, you can see how the system works and what is happening in it. Proprietary solutions are a ‘black box’ where you trust the supplier.

Flexibility. Open source software can be modified, added functions, and adapted to your specifics. Proprietary software is often limited by the licence and does not allow you to change the internal logic.

Support. Commercial software usually has a 24/7 support service. In open source, there is a community, gits, and Stack Overflow. This is also support, but it works a little differently.

Security. Some companies are afraid of open source - they say someone can hack it. In fact, transparency often means more eyes on problems and faster fixes. But it's important how actively the project is supported.

Cost. Open source is conditionally free. But if you need customisation, integration, or technical support, you'll still need resources. Proprietary software includes this in the contract.

### Does ‘free’ mean ‘unsupported’?

Many people still associate the word ‘open source’ with a lone enthusiast writing something at home - and if a problem arises, there is nowhere to turn for help. This is one of the biggest myths. In reality, open source products are often not driven by a single person, but by entire communities, companies, and even commercial services.

Many popular open source solutions are supported by companies that specialise in commercial support. For example, Red Hat is building a business on this: they don't sell Linux because it's open source, but they sell its support, certification, updates, and infrastructure. The user always has a choice: either to figure it out on their own, or to pay and have guarantees - just like with any tool.

And then there is the community. Famous projects live an active life on GitHub, forums, Discord, and Reddit. Sometimes the community will answer your question faster than the support of a large paid product. And certainly in more detail.

### Why tech giants are investing in open source

Google, Meta, Microsoft are not just users of open source. They are its active participants. TensorFlow, Kubernetes, PyTorch, VS Code - all these products are open source, and they have become the basis for many services that we use every day.

The reason is simple: it's profitable. Open source means faster development speeds, better quality due to feedback, and flexibility that is difficult to get in closed ecosystems. It's also a matter of reputation. When a company opens up a piece of code, it demonstrates its confidence, openness, and technological maturity.

By investing in open source, companies don't just give something away for free. They build ecosystems. They attract talent. They strengthen their products.

## Where open source is heading in 2025

Open source has long ceased to be an ‘alternative’. In the field of artificial intelligence, it has become the foundation. The most powerful frameworks, from Hugging Face to Llama, are open source. The same is true for blockchain, government platforms, and educational systems.

A new concept is emerging - digital sovereignty. This is when a state or company controls not only the data but also the code that runs everything. And open source is the only real way here.

We are now seeing schools switching to Linux. Universities are creating their own educational platforms. How governments are building infrastructure on open source so as not to depend on monopolies. And this is just the beginning.

### Why open source will remain for a long time

Open source is not a fashion. It is a response to the demands of the times: the need for transparency, control, and freedom.

For business, it means flexibility and independence. For developers, it means rapid growth and an open environment. For society, it is a tool for development, education and security.

Open source is here to stay because it works. It is simple. Effective. Open.

What's better to choose: open source software or proprietary software? Learn more in our latest article!

What is open source software and why does it matter in 2025?

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