How AI is changing the game for IT consulting companies

The landscape of artificial intelligence is evolving fast—and 2025 is turning out to be a defining year. A new wave of open-source AI models is making innovation more accessible, more efficient, and more inclusive. Forget the massive, resource-intensive AI systems of the past. The future is about smaller, smarter, and more collaborative models that deliver real-world impact without requiring cloud-scale infrastructure. Lightweight doesn’t mean less powerful In the second half of 2025, AI development is moving towards lighter, fine-tuned models. These aren’t just “cheaper versions” of foundation models—they’re purpose-built tools optimized for specific industries and tasks. This shift is making AI adoption more practical for small and mid-sized companies, not just tech giants. Companies focused on software development, IT consulting, and IT nearshore services are already seeing the impact. Smaller models mean faster deployment, lower costs, and easier customisation—without compromising on intelligence. Collaboration is the new innovation engine What’s truly different about 2025 is the level of collaboration around AI. Open-source communities, academic institutions, and enterprises are working together like never before. This collective development is accelerating the pace of AI innovation and ensuring models reflect a broader, more global perspective. For IT teams and outsourcing partners, this opens the door to co-creating AI solutions that match clients’ specific business needs—especially in industries like finance, healthcare, or logistics, where local context matters. Privacy and portability take centre stage With more companies hosting AI models on-prem or on edge devices, data privacy and control are getting a much-needed upgrade. Open-source tools now allow companies to deploy AI locally, without sending sensitive data to external servers. In turn, this boosts trust and regulatory compliance. Portability is also a game-changer: AI models that can run efficiently on different environments - cloud, edge, or hybrid - mean that companies are no longer tied to a single vendor or platform. Why it matters now Whether you're developing smart assistants, predictive systems, or data-driven platforms, the trend toward open-source, lightweight AI is impossible to ignore. It aligns with broader IT trends: cost-efficiency, agility, and innovation at scale.  At BySix, we embrace the open-source movement as a catalyst for innovation. Our teams are ready to help you leverage the latest trends in AI, software development, and IT outsourcing to drive meaningful change in your organisation. Looking for a partner who combines global insight with local delivery? Let’s build smarter, together.  Font: Open-source AI in 2025: Smaller, smarter and more collaborative

The cybersecurity landscape in 2025 is more intricate than ever. As digital transformation accelerates, so do the threats businesses face - from sophisticated ransomware attacks to supply chain breaches and vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. For companies working in software development, IT consulting, or IT outsourcing (nearshore and offshore), understanding these evolving challenges and implementing forward-thinking solutions is no longer optional - it's critical. The top cybersecurity challenges in 2025 AI-powered cyber threats: AI is not just used by defenders—cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging it to craft highly targeted phishing campaigns and automate attacks. These new threats are faster, smarter, and harder to detect.Remote and hybrid work vulnerabilities: Although remote work has become a norm, it also expands the attack surface. Insecure home networks, personal devices, and third-party collaboration tools remain weak points.Supply chain attacks: As businesses integrate more third-party services, the potential entry points for attackers multiply. Compromising one supplier can open doors to an entire network.Cloud security gaps: While cloud adoption supports innovation and flexibility, it also brings challenges around data visibility, misconfigurations, and access control.Regulatory pressure: Compliance with GDPR, NIS2, and other regulations is becoming stricter, and non-compliance can result in significant fines—not to mention reputational damage. Smart solutions for a secure future Zero Trust architecture: This model assumes that no user or system is trustworthy by default—even within the network. It enforces continuous verification, minimizing internal and external risks.Advanced threat detection with AI: Using AI for behavioral analysis and threat prediction enables faster detection and response. This is key in the context of nearshore and offshore operations with large, distributed teams.Employee training and awareness: Human error remains one of the biggest threats. Regular training and phishing simulations help build a stronger security culture.Third-party risk management: Evaluate vendors thoroughly and implement continuous monitoring of their security posture to reduce supply chain risks.Cyber resilience strategy: It’s not just about prevention. Businesses should plan for rapid recovery, ensuring minimal disruption and data loss during attacks. Why cybersecurity is a business enabler Security is no longer a cost center - it’s a driver of trust, innovation, and business continuity. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity are more resilient, agile, and competitive. As the digital ecosystem evolves, investing in the right cybersecurity strategies is a smart move for any company focused on sustainable growth.  At BySix, we combine expertise in software development, IT consulting, and nearshore delivery with robust cybersecurity practices. Whether you’re scaling digital solutions or managing complex IT infrastructures, we help you innovate securely and confidently. Explore how we can protect your business in 2025 and beyond at www.bysix.com.

Over the past decade, Portugal has transformed from a quiet player into a fast-rising star in the global IT outsourcing landscape. With a unique combination of technical talent, strategic location, competitive pricing, and a thriving innovation culture, the country is steadily attracting international companies looking for reliable software development, IT consulting, and nearshore solutions. A skilled and multilingual tech workforce Portugal boasts a growing pool of highly qualified IT professionals fluent in English and other European languages. Portuguese universities, such as the University of Porto and NOVA University Lisbon, consistently produce top engineering graduates ready to work in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This solid academic foundation feeds directly into a mature IT outsourcing market. Nearshore advantages and cultural alignment Portugal’s geographic location offers major benefits for European companies. Sharing the same or similar time zones with much of Western Europe allows for real-time collaboration — a key advantage over traditional offshore destinations. Additionally, Portugal's business culture aligns closely with its European counterparts, making communication smoother and more productive. Cost-effectiveness meets innovation Portugal offers a rare balance of cost efficiency and high-quality service. While still more affordable than other Western European countries, Portuguese tech companies deliver services on par with top-tier global players. The local ecosystem is also buzzing with innovation: Lisbon and Porto have become hotspots for startups, with several unicorns emerging in recent years. Government support and stable infrastructure Portugal’s government has invested significantly in digital transformation, offering tax incentives and funding for IT consulting and R&D projects. The country also boasts robust digital infrastructure, fast internet, and modern coworking spaces, making it attractive for companies seeking dependable IT nearshore operations. Portugal and the future of digital transformation Portugal’s rise isn’t just about affordability — it’s about value. The country is positioning itself as a key player in the future of software development, innovation, and IT outsourcing. Its embrace of artificial intelligence, green tech, and smart cities signals a long-term vision aligned with global digital priorities.  At BySix, we help global clients turn vision into digital reality. Based in Portugal and with deep roots in software development, IT consulting, and innovation, we offer customized nearshore solutions tailored to your business goals. Let’s shape the future of tech together — from Portugal to the world.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a transformative force already reshaping the global tech ecosystem. From Silicon Valley to Lisbon, and from Bangalore to Berlin, AI is shifting the way companies approach software development, IT consulting, and even outsourcing models like nearshore and offshore. Tech hubs in transition Historically, tech hubs have been defined by talent density, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. However, AI is changing the game. Now, it's less about physical proximity and more about digital capabilities. AI-driven tools allow distributed teams to collaborate more efficiently, automate repetitive tasks, and accelerate product delivery. This is leading to a rebalancing of power across traditional and emerging hubs. For example, cities like Warsaw and Porto are rising in prominence due to their ability to combine local talent with a strong focus on innovation and IT nearshore services. Companies are no longer limited by geography—they’re guided by capability, adaptability, and the smart use of AI. Outsourcing redefined by intelligence IT outsourcing has long been a cost-efficiency strategy, but today, it’s also about access to AI-ready teams. Modern IT consulting firms aren’t just offering development capacity—they bring strategic guidance in AI implementation, from infrastructure setup to ethical compliance. Whether offshore or nearshore, the priority is on expertise and agility. This change also impacts vendor selection criteria. Clients now look for partners with AI integration capabilities, robust security practices, and a clear track record in managing machine learning workflows. Challenges and opportunities Of course, integrating AI across distributed teams isn't without challenges. Data privacy, governance, and the scarcity of specialized talent can slow down progress. But it also opens doors for hybrid collaboration models, where AI-enhanced tools help bridge time zones, languages, and development cultures. Emerging technologies like generative AI, automated testing, and intelligent project management are becoming foundational. They empower developers and decision-makers to focus on creativity and strategic thinking rather than routine tasks.  At BySix, we’re fully embracing the AI-driven shift. Whether through advanced software development solutions, tailored IT consulting, or nearshore outsourcing models, we help our clients unlock the full potential of AI - transforming challenges into opportunities. Our international teams are already integrating intelligent automation into real-world products, driving measurable results. Want to discover how AI can enhance your business strategy? Explore our services. This is a new Text block. Change the text.