CIOs are grappling to address lingering enterprise technology questions after a dizzying 2024. 

As vendors develop and release new tools, executives must connect the dots between available technology and the strategic goals of their business.

A common dilemma is the enterprise approach to AI. Agentic AI promised businesses more autonomous operations, with bots taking the lead to proactively complete repetitive tasks. Companies must find where, and if, AI agents can support operations.

CIOs will also spend time optimizing cloud estates, pushed by a concern over rising public cloud costs and the increased consumption associated with AI. As data privacy concerns evolved, private cloud emerged as an enticing option.

Supporting IT operations will continue to require the right set of in-house talent, a challenge enterprises are responding to by redoubling upskilling and training efforts.

Here’s what CIOs will be tracking in 2025: