Dive Into the 2026 SolarWinds IT Trends Report
Is AI actually making IT easier, or just more complex? 1,000+ IT leaders say what’s really happening as teams shift from operators to orchestrators.
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What does “autonomous IT” actually demand from teams?
The 2026 IT Trends Report: The Human Side of Autonomous IT uncovers the tensions shaping modern IT and why autonomy isn’t as simple as it sounds.
C-Suite Vs Practitioners
- 47% of C-suite respondents rate their teams as "extremely prepared" for evolving skill requirements, yet only 13% of technical contributors agree.
- 71% of IT professionals say that AI is making their roles more demanding.
- 41% of frontline managers believe AI has not reduced their workload.
Where do you stand?
The Shift from Operator to Orchestrator
A massive 81% of respondents agree that the role of technical staff is shifting from operator to orchestrator and becoming:
- More strategic (52%)
- More automation driven (52%)
- More cross functional (47%)
Mind The Governance Gap
Almost half (43%) of respondents cited data privacy and security anxiety, including a lack of clear corporate policies or secure sandboxes, as the primary barrier preventing their team from using AI effectively or safely.
Key findings from 1,000+ IT Leaders
The Mid-Sized Sweet Spot
Firms with one to five thousand staff are most likely to embrace AI. They are mature enough to invest but small enough to stay agile.
AI as a Multiplier, Not Autopilot
AI helps reduce manual effort but struggles with outage prevention. It works best as a tool for humans, not alone. Where will AI serve as your force multiplier?
Factor in the “Trust Tax”
Trust is a major hurdle, with staff needing to verify AI outputs. This "trust tax" adds significant friction to workflows.
AI Doesn’t = Zen
Only 19% of pros say AI lightens their mental load. Many find that managing AI risk and governance actually increases the strain.
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Be among the first to discuss the results from the newest IT Trends Report with our experts. Discover how your peers are reshaping their roles and building the AI skills needed to stay ahead. Join us for an event near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top blockers are data privacy/security anxiety (43%), platform fragmentation (28%), and a lack of human guardrails (17%). The report provides advice on how to overcome these hurdles.
The top blockers are data privacy/security anxiety (43%), platform fragmentation (28%), and a lack of human guardrails (17%). The report provides advice on how to overcome these hurdles.
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