Gartner study: 30% of enterprises to automate network by 2026

A new report from Gartner has revealed that 30% of enterprises are expected to automate more than half of their network activities by 2026, a significant increase from the under 10% recorded in mid-2023. The research indicates a growing trend towards automation within corporate infrastructure and operations (I&O) sectors, primarily driven by advancements in AI-based analytics and augmented decision making.

Chris Saunderson, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, commented on the findings, stating, "Infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders are increasingly looking to AI-based analytics and augmented decision making, including intelligent automation (IA), to improve operational resilience and responsiveness, address complexity, and process increasingly large amounts of data through automation."

Intelligent automation (IA) utilises AI techniques, including generative AI (GenAI), to automate decision making and execute actions for I&O initiatives. This technology aims to enhance business agility and enable more advanced I&O services. According to Saunderson, the implementation of IA is currently situated in the "Trough of Disillusionment" on the Gartner Hype Cycle for I&O Automation for 2024 but is anticipated to reach mainstream adoption within the next five to ten years.

The integration of GenAI capabilities has further spurred the demand for IA platforms. "Through the use of analysis and automation, IA enables capabilities that deliver improved operations, efficiency, and insight generation," said Saunderson. He added, "Technology providers that offer best-of-breed tools for AI for IT operations (AIOps), application performance monitoring, and GenAI will influence IA. AIOps and stand-alone automation technology providers may expand their offerings to IA, through acquisitions or organic development."

Hyperautomation remains a key discipline for large enterprises, as stated by Frances Karamouzis, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner: "Along with IA, hyperautomation has seen a resurgence in interest and demand since the fervour of GenAI that launched in November 2022. Hyperautomation involves the use of multiple technologies and tools including AI, machine learning, event-driven software architecture, and robotic process automation, among others."

Despite its potential, fewer than 20% of organisations have mastered the measurement of hyperautomation initiatives. Karamouzis noted, "Hyperautomation initiatives are often an integral part of a larger technology roadmap that includes systems of record on one end of the spectrum and AI and GenAI on the other." The rising demand for hyperautomation is driven by the need for operational excellence across various processes and functions, which in turn supports corporate resilience. This increasing demand continues to propel the growth of offerings provided by hyperautomation.

The report by Gartner provides insights on the projected trends and technologies anticipated to impact the I&O landscape in the coming years. Gartner clients can access more detailed analysis in the "Hype Cycle for I&O Automation, 2024" report. Additionally, Gartner will elaborate on these topics at their upcoming IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies conferences, taking place in London, Tokyo, and Las Vegas later this year. These events will feature further insights into cloud strategies and trending I&O developments from leading analysts.