The report indicates that IT roles are becoming more strategic and automation-driven, with 52% of respondents citing increases in both areas. Roles are also becoming more cross-functional (47%) and complex (41%), reflecting the integration of AI into broader business processes. AI is also affecting how IT teams allocate time. Respondents report spending more time on proactive activities such as strategizing and analyzing system performance, while some reactive tasks, including troubleshooting incidents, are decreasing.
Governance, training, and data challenges
The report highlights several areas organizations must address to support AI adoption. More than half of respondents (56%) say clearer AI policies and guardrails would help them adapt, while 50% point to the need for formal training.
Data quality is also a key factor. Eighty-three percent of respondents say AI effectiveness depends on the breadth and quality of the data available to it. Respondents also cite issues such as tool fragmentation and lack of integration as barriers to effective AI use.
Respondents said they expect AI and automation to play a larger role in IT operations. More than three-quarters (77%) say their organizations will become more proactive over the next two to three years, supported by increased automation and data-driven insights. At the same time, organizations expect to encounter challenges, including skills gaps, governance requirements, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven systems.
“AI is not making IT simpler—it’s making it more consequential,” said Krishna Sai, chief technology officer at SolarWinds, in a statement. “The teams thriving in this environment are not usually the ones with the most AI tools. Instead, those who are building the governance and structure to actually trust them are seeing the greatest results.”
