IT Managers Expect AI Agents to Play a Key Role in Automation by 2025, but Still Face Obstacles Such as Data Privacy, Integration with Legacy Systems, and Data Quality
An international study by Cloudera reveals that 96 percent of surveyed companies plan to expand their use of AI agents in the next twelve months. Half of them are planning an organization-wide rollout. Applications such as performance optimization, security monitoring, and software development support are particularly on the rise.
Strategic Tools
The study was conducted among nearly 1,500 IT managers in fourteen countries. It shows that AI agents are increasingly being deployed for tasks that go beyond traditional automation. The systems can reason and act independently in real-time, making them suitable for more complex business processes. 83 percent of respondents view AI agents as an essential means to remain competitive.
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AI agents are particularly in use within sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and telecommunications. In the financial sector, they are used for fraud detection and risk assessment, while manufacturing companies deploy them for quality control and supply chain optimization. In healthcare, they support appointment scheduling and medical analysis, and in telecommunications, they improve customer interaction and network security.
Data Management
Despite the enthusiasm, there are also barriers. Respondents primarily mention data privacy (53%), integration problems with existing systems (40%), and high implementation costs (39%) as significant obstacles. According to Cloudera, this indicates a growing need for robust data management and clear governance.
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Most companies build AI agents on existing AI infrastructure or integrate them into core applications. A hybrid approach is the norm here. Cloudera advises organizations to start small with well-defined projects that quickly deliver value, such as an IT support agent. This approach helps build internal trust and lays the foundation for broader deployment.