According to data, IT leaders and chief information officers (CIOs) expect stronger cybersecurity solutions, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and sustainable technology practices from solution providers in 2025. Channel expert.
With lower than half of digital initiatives currently meeting business goals, technology leaders are specializing in tools to protect their organizations while driving innovation.
Cybersecurity is a priority
As threats like ransomware and deepfakes develop into more sophisticated, cybersecurity is becoming a top concern for IT leaders. Jon Frances, CISO at ISC2, warns that deepfakes will redefine social engineering tactics in 2025. As corporations manage increasingly sensitive data, the need for advanced cybersecurity solutions is growing.
ConnectWise CIO Todd Hale highlights the increasing complexity of security threats. “All businesses face a certain, ever-increasing level of risk. The complexity of the threat landscape and what we have to deal with on a daily basis is becoming more and more complex,” says Hale.
In 2025, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will rely more on managed service providers (MSPs), corporations that provide IT services to other businesses, to protect their systems. “In 2025, technologies like hyperautomation and artificial intelligence will be critical to transforming how services are delivered and managed,” says ConnectWise CEO Manny Rivelo.
Artificial Intelligence Integration Requirements
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate IT investment priorities. MSPs play a key role in providing AI solutions to organizations that lack in-house expertise. MSPs help deploy and manage AI-powered tools, ensuring even smaller businesses can make the most of advanced technologies. This support is crucial for small and medium-sized businesses that want to compete in a technology-driven economy.
By 2025, 67% of AI spending is anticipated to be generated by corporations incorporating AI into their core businesses, according to Gartner’s 2025 CIO Agenda. “Artificial intelligence is really a long-term game, and the evolution of security products will continue for many years, perhaps even decades,” explains Rakesh Shah of LevelBlue.
Returning to the growing threat of cyberattacks, MSPs may even need to help their clients understand and safely implement AI. According to ConnectWise CIO Todd Hale, corporations are looking to MSPs for guidance on implementing AI: “I think they’re going to be looking pretty heavily at MSPs to be that trusted advisor.”
Calculations move to the edge
In 2025, businesses will proceed to rely heavily on cloud computing, especially as data storage regulations develop into more stringent around the world. Different types of cloud services assist you meet specific business needs: private, public and hybrid.
However, as cloud computing evolves, corporations are also looking on this direction edge computing. Edge computing processes data closer to where it’s created, fairly than in distant data centers. This approach helps corporations process information faster and more efficiently.
“In 2025, the competitive landscape for virtualization solutions will expand dramatically, enabling service providers to explore a wider range of options while meeting customer demands for affordability and flexibility,” explained Jeff Ready, CEO of Scale Computing.
Push for sustainable technology
However, as AI requires more power, sustainability becomes a top priority. Technology leaders expect CIOs to implement several sustainability measures. This includes energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy sources for data centers, low-energy artificial intelligence modelsand robust carbon accounting metrics.
“Conscious manufacturers will use incentives to shift their sales channels to more eco-friendly solutions to meet annual eco-friendly product goals and position themselves as global environmental leaders,” said Sean Cheriton, director of manufacturing accounts in 360insight.
Looking ahead, IT leaders expect solution providers to help them balance these priorities while managing costs. Success in 2025 will rely on finding protected and effective ways to implement recent technologies while reducing environmental impact.