Tech Chiefs Embrace AI Agents As Future Of IT Operations
The integration of AI into corporate technology operations has reached an inflection point, as organisations move beyond experimental deployments to implement autonomous systems across core business functions.
This shift comes amid growing pressure on technology departments to improve operational efficiency while managing increasingly complex digital infrastructure. Enterprises face challenges from cyber threats, skills shortages and the need to demonstrate return on technology investments.
- 88% of respondents view autonomous AI systems as core or peripheral to future IT operations
- 71% expect expanded security and operations budgets in 2025
- 94% of technology companies cite security as their highest priority
Now, new research provides evidence of accelerating adoption of autonomous AI systems, particularly among senior technology leaders who view such capabilities as essential to future operations.
Artificial Intelligence Adoption Accelerates
PagerDuty, a digital operations management platform that helps organisations respond to technical incidents, has released findings showing technology leaders are taking a measured approach to AI implementation in their operations.
The company’s 2025 State of Digital Operations Report, which surveyed 1,100 operations leaders across North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, reveals that 64% of respondents anticipate increased IT operations budgets for 2025, focusing on operational improvements.
The fourth edition of this annual study demonstrates the evolution of digital operations over the past twelve months, with organisations reporting improvements in operational resilience, automation effectiveness and speed to market.
Security And Skills Gap Hamper AI Deployment
Despite growing adoption of automation technologies across industries, organisations face two primary obstacles: managing security risks and addressing talent shortages for teams implementing automation systems.
These challenges emerge as companies seek to expand their use of AI and automation across different business functions, requiring new skillsets and enhanced security protocols.
Katherine Calvert, Chief Marketing Officer at PagerDuty, says: “AI has rapidly grown to become the backbone of digital operations, helping reduce toil, improve resilience and drive tremendous efficiency.”
The research indicates that AI has evolved beyond experimental status, with organisations reporting measurable improvements across key metrics. Respondents cite operational efficiency gains of 37%, while 36% report enhanced customer experiences. Data analysis capabilities improved for 38% of organisations.
Autonomous AI Systems Gain Traction Globally
Agentic AI, which refers to AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action, has emerged as a particular focus for chief information officers and chief technology officers. The survey reveals that 53% of these executives consider such systems fundamental to future IT operations.
The broader technology community shares this outlook, with 88% of respondents across all roles viewing autonomous AI systems as either central or complementary to their future operations.
AI has rapidly grown to become the backbone of digital operations, helping reduce toil, improve resilience and drive tremendous efficiency
This shift represents a maturation in AI deployment, moving from experimental implementations to core operational systems that drive business value.
Security Investment Remains Priority
The report highlights increasing emphasis on cybersecurity measures, with 71% of respondents expecting expanded security and operations budgets in the coming year. This contrasts with 14% who anticipate budget reductions.
Industries handling intellectual property display heightened security consciousness. Media organisations report security as a priority at 95%, closely followed by technology companies at 94%.
This focus on security comes as organisations integrate more autonomous systems into their operations, requiring enhanced protection measures for increasingly complex technology environments.
Operational Resilience Shows Improvement
The survey documents progress in operational resilience over the past year, with organisations reporting more robust systems and processes. This improvement correlates with increased automation adoption and more sophisticated incident response capabilities.
Respondents indicate that investments in digital operations have delivered returns through enhanced system reliability, faster incident resolution and improved customer satisfaction metrics.
The data suggests a pragmatic approach to technology investment, with organisations prioritising solutions that demonstrate clear return on investment while building operational resilience.
Katherine says: “With PagerDuty, organisations can more easily integrate AI and automation into their operations to grow revenue and drive efficiency while building resilience and reducing risk.”
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