The blurring of the physical and digital worlds is creating new business opportunities for companies perceptive enough to embrace options including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and smart technologies. "Digital business is about more than technologies. It is about creating new business models and new ways to engage with customers, partners and suppliers in your business ecosystem," explained Betsy Burton, co-author of the report. Gartner defines a hype cycle as "a graphical depiction of a common pattern that arises with each new technology or other innovation." Burton estimates nearly 100 hype cycles will be produced over the course of this year, but noted that four major trends are dominating the technology landscape. Nexus Technologies, notably cloud, data, mobile and social, are all passing through or have already exited the Trough of Disillusionment.