2023 Showcase

2023 Predictions Showcase

Predictions 2022 was so popular, we had to repeat it in 2023! Bigger and better — more thought leaders and experts, across networking, cloud, security and telecommunications. Check out their predictions and come back later to see who got it right.

Latest Research Brief

Download Our Latest Report

Data Center Networking in 2026 — Scaling to New Heights

More about this report →

No personal info needed to download

Download the Latest Report

By downloading this report, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive new report updates

The monthly AvidThink infrastructure brief. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

Analysis by AvidThink

What the 2023 predictions showcase finds

Across dozens of telco, cloud, and infrastructure leaders, 2023 is framed by macroeconomic caution set against relentless build-out, with fiber and broadband, 5G and private networks, 800G optics, Zero Trust security, and automation and sustainability recurring as the year's defining currents.

  1. Macro uncertainty tests spending

    Aruba's Phil Mottram, Cradlepoint's Donna Johnson, and Dell'Oro's Mauricio Sanchez weigh how economic headwinds reshape enterprise networking, cloud, and SD-WAN and SASE budgets, while Cyxtera's Holland Barry expects tighter scrutiny of public cloud spend.

  2. Optics race toward 800G

    Infinera's Tim Doiron, Nokia's Arnold Jansen, and Credo's Scott Feller track 800G rollouts, while OIF's Nathan Tracy points to work on 400ZR, 800G pluggables, CMIS, CEI, and co-packaging.

  3. Fiber and broadband build-out

    ATX Networks' Dan Whalen and Dell'Oro's Jeff Heynen weigh last-mile fiber, DOCSIS 4.0, and middle-mile aggregation, while Fiber Broadband Association's Gary Bolton flags workforce development as a key success factor.

  4. Security shifts to Zero Trust

    Cloudflare's John Engates asks whether 2023 is the year of Zero Trust, Skyhigh Security's Anand Ramanathan examines the dissolving cloud-first perimeter, and Blastwave's Tom Sego forecasts how ransomware attacks evolve.

  5. Private 5G and wireless expand

    Federated Wireless' Iyad Tarazi expects private networking and CBRS to accelerate, Kyndryl's Paul Savill maps Private 5G traction, and Movandi's Maryam Rofougaran sees 5G mmWave driving enterprise innovation.

  6. Automation, disaggregation, sustainability

    MEF's Pascal Menezes and Stan Hubbard track LSO Sonata API-driven service automation, Ribbon's David Stokes weighs whether disaggregation is permanent, and Juniper's Sally Bament sees sustainability shaping carrier infrastructure.

More about this report →

Highlights from industry thought leaders

Video interviews

Arelion

What's next for global telecom operators in 2023?

  • Arelion's Mattias Fridström sees the multinational security situation reshaping global carriers' strategic outlook.
  • User experience is increasingly driving service assurance priorities for global telecom operators.
Abstract
How the current multination security situation changing the strategic outlook of global carriers? How is is the user experience impacting service assurance? Here are 3 predictions from Arelion’s Mattias Fridström.
Arrcus

What's next for multi-cloud routing and switching in 2023?

  • Arrcus's Shekar Ayyar expects telcos and cloud operators to further integrate their routing and switching infrastructure.
  • The open 2023 question is whether multi-cloud networking converges into one big mash-up.
Abstract
As we look ahead to the future of routing and switching in 2023, how will telcos and cloud operators integrate their infrastructure? Are we headed to a big mash-up? Here are 3 predictions from Arrcus’s Shekar Ayyar .
Aruba Networks (HPE)

What's next for enterprise networks in 2023?

  • Aruba's Phil Mottram examines how enterprises buy networking equipment amid current economic uncertainty.
  • AI's expanding role in the networking field is a key 2023 theme for enterprise networks.
Abstract
How will purchasers of enterprise networking equipment respond to the current economic uncertainty? Where will AI go in the networking field? Here are 3 predictions from Aruba’s Phil Mottram.
Aryaka

What's next for SD-WAN in 2023?

  • Aryaka's Dave Ginsburg expects enterprises to prioritize growing network vulnerability concerns in 2023.
Abstract
How will enterprises address the growing concern over network vulnerability in 2023? Here are 3 predictions from Aryaka’s Dave Ginsburg.
ATX Networks

What's next for broadband access networks in 2023?

  • ATX Networks' Dan Whalen weighs broadband access investment across last-mile fiber, DOCSIS 4.0, and middle-mile aggregation.
Abstract
Where will investments be focused in broadband access networks? More last mile fiber, DOCSIS 4.0, or middle mile aggregation? Here are 3 predictions from ATX Networks's Dan Whalen.
Blastwave

What happens to ransomware attacks in 2023?

  • Blastwave's Tom Sego forecasts how ransomware attacks will evolve over the year.
Abstract
Here are 3 predictions from Blastwave’s Tom Sego on what we will see with ransomware attacks this year
Boingo

What's next for wireless connectivity in 2023?

  • Boingo CTO Derek Peterson predicts advances in 5G, WiFi, and more seamless wireless connections for 2023.
Abstract
What will 2023 bring for wireless connectivity? Better 5G? Better WiFi? More seamless connections? Boingo’s CTO Derek Peterson makes his predictions for the evolution of wireless connectivity in 2023.
Clearfield

What's next for fiber rollouts?

  • Clearfield's Kevin Morgan focuses on overcoming the obstacles that slow rapid fiber broadband rollouts.
  • He weighs whether operators can accelerate their fiber deployment in 2023.
Abstract
Can operators accelerate their fiber deployment? How can they overcome the obstacles holding back the rapid rollout of fiber broadband networks? Clearfield’s Kevin Morgan makes his predictions for what's next on fiber rollouts in 2023.
Cloudflare

Will 2023 be the Year of Zero Trust Networking?

  • Cloudflare's John Engates weighs whether 2023 becomes the year of Zero Trust networking.
  • Navigating the transition to Zero Trust Network Architecture is the central question he addresses.
Abstract
How will companies navigate the transition to Zero Trust Network Architecture in 2023? Here are 3 predictions from Cloudflare's John Engates.
Commscope

What's next for broadband networks in 2023?

  • Commscope's Koen Ter Linde expects geopolitics and supply chain issues to keep affecting broadband rollouts.
Abstract
Will geopolitics and supply chain issues continue impact the rollout of broadband networks in 2023 and beyond? Commscope's Koen Ter Linde makes their predictions for what's next on broadband networks in 2023.
CommScope

What's next for outdoor wireless networks in 2023?

  • Commscope's Mike Wolfe questions whether 5G fixed wireless access takes off among outdoor wireless growth areas.
Abstract
Will 5G fixed wireless access take off in 2023 or should be looking at other growth areas? Commscope's Mike Wolfe makes his predictions for what's next on outdoor wireless networks in 2023.
CommScope

What's next for data center infrastructure in 2023?

  • Commscope's Kam Patel previews the new challenges facing data center infrastructure in 2023.
Abstract
What new challenges will 2023 bring for data center infrastructure? Commscope's Kam Patel makes his predictions for what's next on data center infrastructure in 2023.
Couchbase

What's next for cloud data bases in 2023?

  • Couchbase's Wayne Carter links cloud database evolution to expanding edge computing and network access.
  • He stresses that cloud applications rely on physical network infrastructure.
Abstract
Cloud applications rely on physical network infrastructure. What’s next for applications as edge computing facilities and network access expands? Couchbase's Wayne Carter makes their predictions for cloud databases in 2023.
Cradlepoint

What's next for enterprise networks in 2023?

  • Cradlepoint's Donna Johnson sets enterprise network priorities against macroeconomic uncertainty and ongoing digital transformation.
Abstract
What are the new priorities for enterprise networks given macro economic uncertainties combined with ongoing digital transformation? Here are 3 predictions from Cradlepoint’s Donna Johnson.
Credo

What's next for data center technology in 2023?

  • Credo's Scott Feller predicts whether 800G pluggables arrive for data center switches in 2023.
Abstract
Will 800G pluggables arrive for data center switches in 2023? Credo's Scott Feller makes his predictions for data center technology in 2023.
Cyxtera

What next for data center interconnects in 2023?

  • Cyxtera's Holland Barry expects public cloud spending to face heightened budgetary scrutiny in 2023.
  • AI/ML workloads factor into his data center interconnect predictions.
Abstract
Will public cloud spending come under budgetary scrutiny more than ever in 2023? What about AI/ML workloads? Here are 3 predictions for 2023 from Cyxtera's Holland Barry .
Dell'Oro Group

What's next for data center physical infrastructure in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Lucas Beran assesses whether the boom in physical data center infrastructure deployments continues.
  • He looks at new technologies and significant installations arriving this year.
Abstract
Will boom time continue for physical data center infrastructure deployments? What new technologies and significant installations will we see? Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Lucas Beran.
Dell'Oro Group

What's next for SD-WAN, SASE, and network security in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Mauricio Sanchez weighs SD-WAN, SASE, and network security growth against weaker macroeconomics.
Abstract
Will the SD-WAN, SASE, and network security markets continue to grow in 2023 or are they susceptible to weaker macro economics? Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Mauricio Sanchez.
Dell'Oro Group

What’s next for broadband infrastructure spending in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Jeff Heynen tracks whether fiber deployments keep accelerating in 2023.
  • He weighs how quickly cable operators move to DOCSIS 4.0.
Abstract
Will fiber deployments continue to accelerate this year? Will cable operators move quickly with DOCSIS 4.0? Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Jeff Heynen.
Dell'Oro Group

What's next for data center switching spending in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Sameh Boujelbene shares three predictions on data center switching in 2023.
Abstract
Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Sameh Boujelbene on data center switching in 2023.
Dell’Oro Group

What's next for RAN infrastructure spending in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Stefan Pongratz questions whether the high level of 5G infrastructure investment can continue.
  • He identifies which mobile infrastructure segments keep growing in 2023.
Abstract
Can the high level of investment in 5G infrastructure continue in 2023? What segments of mobile infrastructure will continue to grow? Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Stefan Pongratz.
Dell’Oro Group

What's next for WLAN spending in 2023?

  • Dell'Oro Group's Siân Morgan examines whether enterprise WLAN equipment spending sustains its growth trajectory.
  • She weighs whether WLAN equipment prices have hit a peak.
Abstract
Will spending on enterprise WLAN equipment continue its growth trajectory in 2023? Have prices hit a peak? Here are 3 predictions from Dell’Oro Group’s Siân Morgan.
Ekinops

What's next for networking in 2023?

  • Ekinops' Sylvain Quartier weighs supply chain, energy crisis, cybersecurity, and sustainability pressures on networking.
Abstract
How will supply chain challenges, the energy crisis, cybersecurity, and sustainability impact the networking sector in 2023? Ekinops' Sylvain Quartier makes his predictions for what's next on networking in 2023.
Enfabrica

What's next for network infrastructure in 2023?

  • Enfabrica's Rochan Sankar shares predictions for network infrastructure in 2023.
Abstract
How will network infrastructure fare in 2023 Enfabrica's Rochan Sankar makes their predictions for network infrastructure in 2023.
Equinix

What's next for data center services in 2023?

  • Equinix's Jim Poole predicts progress toward fully automated data center interconnects.
  • He weighs whether Network-as-a-Service takes off in 2023.
Abstract
Will data center interconnects become fully automated? Will Network-as-a-Service take off? Here are 3 predictions from Equinix's Jim Poole.
Expeto

Will 2023, Year of the Rabbit, also be Year of the Enterprise?

  • Expeto's Michael Anderson sees enterprise mobile networking poised for major transformation as new technologies come to market.
Abstract
Enterprise mobile networking is poised for major transformation as several new technologies come to market. Expeto's Michael Anderson makes his predictions for what's next on major transformations in technology in 2023.
Federated Wireless

What's next for Private Network services and CBRS in 2023?

  • Federated Wireless' Iyad Tarazi expects the private networking segment to accelerate this year.
  • He identifies which use cases have the greatest impact and whether other global markets follow.
Abstract
Will the private networking segment accelerate this year? Which use cases are having the greatest impact? Will other global markets follow? Here are 3 predictions from Federated Wireless' Iyad Tarazi.
Fiber Broadband Association

What's next for fiber broadband in 2023?

  • Fiber Broadband Association's Gary Bolton highlights workforce development as a major fiber-deployment success factor.
  • He points to a new advanced service on the horizon for fiber broadband.
Abstract
How is workforce development shaping up to be a major success factor for network operators as they deploy fiber broadband? What new advanced service is on the horizon? Fiber Broadband Association’s Gary Bolton makes his predictions for what's next on fiber broadband in 2023.
Graphiant

What's next for network services in 2023?

  • Graphiant's Khalid Raza warns the building data tsunami could overwhelm enterprises that fail to evolve their network by 2025.
Abstract
The data tsunami continues to build and by 2025 it may overwhelm enterprises that fail to evolve their network. What's next for network services in 2023? Here are some predictions from Graphiant’s Khalid Raza and Ali Shaikh .
IBM

What's next for storage in 2023?

  • IBM's Shawn Brume assesses whether digital storage shortages have reversed into an excess-inventory situation.
Abstract
Has the supply chain shortages for digital storage reversed and become an excess inventory situation? IBM's Shawn Brume makes their predictions for storage in 2023.
Infineon

What's next for smart home networks in 2023?

  • Infineon's Steve Hanna weighs whether 2023 is finally the year for the Matter smart-home standard.
Abstract
Will 2023 finally be the year for Matter? Infineon's Steve Hanna makes his predictions for smart home networks in 2023.
Infinera

What's next for optical transmission in 2023?

  • Infinera's Tim Doiron predicts how the subsea sector evolves in 2023.
  • He weighs whether 800G optical transmission rollouts accelerate.
Abstract
How will the subsea sector evolve? Will 800G rollouts accelerate? Here are 3 predictions from Infinera's Tim Doiron.
Itential

What's next for network automation in 2023?

  • Itential's Chris Wade builds on years of network programmability progress to predict what comes next in automation.
Abstract
There has been a lot of progress in network programmability over the years. What's next? Itential's Chris Wade makes his predictions for what's next on network automation in 2023.
Juniper

What's next for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in 2023?

  • Juniper Networks' Drew Simonis outlines what is top-of-mind for CISOs in 2023.
Abstract
What is top-of-mind for CISOs in 2023? Here are 3 predictions from Juniper Networks's Drew Simonis.
Juniper Networks

What's next for Cloud and Service Provider infrastructure in 2023?

  • Juniper Networks' Sally Bament sees sustainability becoming a key factor shaping carrier network infrastructure.
  • She examines what is happening in metro access and aggregation.
Abstract
Has sustainability really become a key factor shaping the market for carrier network infrastructure? What is happening in metro access and aggregation? Here are 3 predictions from Juniper Networks's Sally Bament.
Juniper Networks

What's next for enterprise networking in 2023?

  • Juniper Networks' Jeff Aaron expects network automation to reshape the enterprise networking market.
  • He weighs whether AI changes the game for enterprise networks.
Abstract
How will network automation impact the enterprise market? Will AI change the game? Here are 3 predictions from Juniper Networks's Jeff Aaron.
Kaloom

What's next for edge networking in 2023?

  • Kaloom's Hitendra Sonny Soni sees new possibilities from 5G slicing shaking up edge networking in 2023.
Abstract
New possibilities enabled by 5G slicing could shake things up. Kaloom's Hitendra Sonny Soni makes his predictions for edge networking in 2023. --Visit 2023 Telco Cloud and Edge Resource Site-- Since you're interested in edge networking, you might want to check out our 2023 Telco Cloud and Edge resource site. Watch the videos, download our report, and learn the top nine observations and recommendations we have for carriers.
Kyndryl

What's next for Private 5G in 2023?

  • Kyndryl's Paul Savill predicts where Private 5G finds the most traction in 2023.
Abstract
Where will Private 5G find the most traction in 2023? Here are 3 predictions from Kyndryl’s Paul Savill.
Linux Foundation

What's next for open networking in 2023?

  • Linux Foundation's Arpit Joshipura outlines the big trends shaping open networking projects in 2023.
Abstract
How will open networking projects fare in 2023 and what big trends are shaping these efforts? Linux Foundation's Arpit Joshipura makes his predictions for what's next on open networking in 2023.
Marvell

What's next for cloud infrastructure in 2023?

  • Marvell's Nigel Alvares sees hyperscalers leading as forces of innovation for cloud infrastructure.
  • He points to new technologies on tap for cloud infrastructure in 2023.
Abstract
Hyperscalers are leading forces for innovation. What new technologies are on tap for cloud infrastructure in 2023? Marvell's Nigel Alvares makes his predictions for what's next on cloud infrastructure in 2023.
MEF

What's next for service automation in 2023?

  • MEF's Stan Hubbard tracks adoption of MEF LSO Sonata APIs automating orchestrated delivery across partner ecosystems.
Abstract
Service Providers have been adopting MEF LSO Sonata APIs to automate orchestrate delivery across a partner ecosystem. How will this trend fare in 2023? MEF's Stan Hubbard makes his predictions for service automation in 2023.
MEF

What's next for network automation and orchestration in 2023?

  • MEF's Pascal Menezes outlines next steps in network automation and orchestration for enterprise digital transformation.
  • He describes MEF enabling an ecosystem of network, cloud, and technology providers.
Abstract
MEF is enabling an ecosystem of network, cloud, and technology providers dedicated to enterprise digital transformation. What are the next steps in network evolution in 2023? MEF's Pascal Menezes makes his predictions for network automation and orchestration in 2023.
Movandi

What's next for 5G in 2023?

  • Movandi's Maryam Rofougaran predicts whether 5G mmWave becomes a driving force for enterprise innovation.
Abstract
Will 5G mmWave become a driving force for enterprise innovation? Here are 3 predictions for 2023 from Movandi's' Maryam Rofougaran .
Nokia

What's next for 800G in transport networks in 2023?

  • Nokia's Arnold Jansen predicts whether 800G sees rapid and broad adoption in transport networks in 2023.
Abstract
Will 800G see rapid and broad adoption in transport networks in 2023? Nokia's Arnold Jansen makes their predictions for 800G in transport networks in 2023.
Nokia

What's next for SD-WAN in 2023?

  • Nuage Networks' Saurabh Sandhir forecasts how the SD-WAN and SASE market evolves in 2023.
Abstract
How is the market for SD-WAN and SASE likely to evolve in 2023? Nuage Networks' Saurabh Sandhir makes his predictions for SD-WAN in 2023.
OIF

What's next for the OIF in 2023?

  • OIF's Nathan Tracy highlights active work on 400ZR, 800G pluggables, CMIS, CEI, and co-packaging.
Abstract
That's a lot cooking at OIF these days. 400ZR, 800G Pluggables, CMIS, CEI, Co-Packaging... OIF's, Nathan Tracy makes their predictions for the OIF in 2023.
Open Compute Project

What's next at OCP in 2023?

  • Open Compute Project's Cliff Grossner spotlights immersion cooling, optical switching, and disaggregated systems.
  • He weighs which of these new OCP technologies grab the limelight in 2023.
Abstract
From immersion cooling, to optical switching, and disaggregated systems there are a lot of new technologies arriving at the Open Compute Project Project. Which ones will be in the limelight in 2023? Open Compute Project's Cliff Grossner makes his predictions for OCP in 2023.
Padtec

What's next for optical transport in 2023?

  • Padtec's Ralph Huff points to pluggables and disaggregated architecture arriving together in optical transport.
Abstract
Several major innovations are coming to optical transport simultaneously, including pluggables and disaggregated architecture. Padtec's Ralph Huff makes their predictions for optical transport in 2023.
Ribbon

What's next for IP infrastructure in 2023?

  • Ribbon's David Stokes weighs whether network disaggregation is here to stay.
  • He asks whether network automation has passed a tipping point.
Abstract
Is network disaggregation really here to stay? Has network automation passed a tipping point? Ribbon's David Stokes makes predictions for IP infrastructure in 2023.
SiTime

What's next for precision timing in 2023?

  • SiTime's Piyush Sevalia maps the growth opportunities for precision timing devices this year.
Abstract
As they say, timing is everything. What are the growth opportunities for precision timing devices this year? SiTime's Piyush Sevalia makes his predictions for precision timing in 2023.
Skyhigh Security

What's next for data security in 2023?

  • Skyhigh Security's Anand Ramanathan examines the conventional security perimeter in a distributed, cloud-first environment.
Abstract
What's happening to our conventional security perimeter as we move into a distributed, cloud-first networking environment? Skyhigh Security's Anand Ramanathan makes their predictions for data security in 2023.
Sonatus

What's next for in-vehicle networks in 2023?

  • Sonatus' Jeff Chou addresses in-vehicle networks as the automotive industry transitions to software-defined vehicles.
Abstract
What happens next as the automotive industry transition to software-defined vehicles? Sonatus' Jeff Chou makes his predictions for what's next on in-vehicle networks in 2023.
Sony

What's next for imaging and vision systems in 2023?

  • Sony's Mark Hanson suggests on-device AI and edge processing could address privacy concerns in public image capture.
Abstract
A lot of people having privacy concerns regarding image capturing in public settings. Could on-device AI help address these concerns? Processing at the edge? Sony's Mark Hanson makes their predictions for imaging and vision systems in 2023.
Spirent

What's next for enterprise services in 2023?

  • Spirent's Marc Cohn charts where SASE goes next after leading enterprise networking innovation.
Abstract
SASE has been at the forefront of innovation for enterprise networking. Where does its go in 2023 and beyond? Spirent's Marc Cohn makes his predictions for what's next on enterprise services in 2023.
Telecom Infra Project

What's next in 2023 for the TIP community?

  • Telecom Infra Project's Eugina Jordan identifies which operator challenges and opportunities become the top 2023 trends.
Abstract
Network operators face many challenges and opportunities in 2023. Which ones will become the top trends? Telecom Infra Project's Eugina Jordan makes her predictions for TIP community in 2023.
Telstra

What's next for telco customer success in 2023?

  • Telstra's Eric Dalessio sees digitization as the pathway to enterprise customer success in 2023.
Abstract
Is digitization the pathway to enterprise customer success in 2023? Telstra's, Eric Dalessio makes his predictions for what's next on cloud infrastructure in 2023.
Zededa

What's next for edge services in 2023?

  • Zededa's Said Ouissall assesses the prospects for virtualized services running at edge locations in 2023.
Abstract
What are the prospects for virtualized services at edge locations in 2023? Zededa's Said Ouissall makes their predictions for edge services in 2023.
Reader feedback on Data Center Networking in 2026 — Scaling to New Heights: "Appreciate the broad coverage and unique insights." "Up, Out, Across, and Away we go." Download our latest report and send us your feedback!
Download the Latest Report

By downloading this report, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Continue exploring

More executive showcases across next-gen infrastructure.

2025

2025 Marvell Industry Analyst Day

Marvell executives share their vision for accelerated infrastructure and how Marvell's technology portfolio speeds up AI and cloud workloads

6 video interviews
2025

2025 OCP Global Summit

Exclusive videos from thought leaders covering data center networking (scale-up, scale-out, scale-across), photonics, liquid cooling, SONiC

20 video interviews
2025

2025 AI Infra Summit

Thought leaders discuss using AI, ML, deep learning, and generative AI (GenAI) to manage, automate, scale, and optimize network infrastructure

14 video interviews
Browse all topics →