As part of APMdigest’s 2025 Predictions Series, industry experts offer predictions on how NetOps, Network Performance Management, Network Observability and related technologies will evolve and impact business in 2025.
AI NETWORKING
In 2025, enterprises will begin to make strides towards more intelligent networks, driven by advancements in the availability of AI. As global data volumes continue to rise, organizations will start to explore moving from reactive network management to proactive and predictive self-operating networks. However, traditional network management approaches may still be prevalent as enterprises gradually deploy AI applications that demand low-latency, high-bandwidth connections for real-time processing. Those organizations that do not begin the process of evolving their network infrastructure may encounter bottlenecks, impacting their ability to fully leverage AI technologies over time.
Jeff Gray
CEO and Co-Founder, Gluware
CONVERGENCE OF NETWORK AUTOMATION AND SECURITY
Security and network automation will become inseparable in 2025, with integrated security validation becoming a mandatory component of any network change. Organizations will no longer treat network automation and security as separate disciplines but as two sides of the same coin. The rise in sophisticated cyber threats will drive this convergence, making automated security compliance checks and real-time vulnerability assessments and remediation standard features in network automation platforms. This will lead to a new category that I believe will redefine how we approach network security and automation.
Jeff Gray
CEO and Co-Founder, Gluware
INTENT-BASED NETWORKING PLATFORMS
In 2025, enterprises will increasingly recognize the necessity of advancing their network automation strategies, with a growing number of Global 2000 companies beginning to explore intent-based networking platforms. The convergence of traditional networking with more modern approaches will force organizations to rethink their automation strategies. Network teams will need to move beyond basic scripting and point solutions to embrace comprehensive, intelligent automation platforms that can handle multi-vendor, multi-domain environments. This transition will be driven by the increasing complexity of hybrid networks and the critical need to maintain security and compliance at scale.
Jeff Gray
CEO and Co-Founder, Gluware
