AIOps is a term that you may have heard bandied about lately, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, it is the application of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, machine learning and predictive analytics to improve IT operations. But what does that really mean for businesses? How can they take advantage of AIOps transformation to improve their IT operations?
In this article, we will explore those questions and more. We’ll discuss why AIOps is so important. And how businesses can realize its full potential to transform their operations for the future.
Some applications and use cases that have been proposed for AIOps include :
- Automated root cause analysis
- Predictive maintenance
- Service desk workload optimization and triage
- Prescriptive analytics for IT operations
However, these are just a few of the possibilities. While many organizations are beginning to explore the possibilities of AIOps transformation, few are really taking full advantage.
AI and the people who will use it is one of modern IT’s most pressing concerns. The real test for any adoption, however, isn’t just plugging in a machine-learning model. That’s only half of an effective solution! We’re talking about how you implement these changes into existing processes. This way, they can be successfully adopted without sacrificing productivity or employee satisfaction along the way.
AIOps Transformation Needs a Strategic Approach
One major reason for the slow adoption of AIOps strategy is also one of the biggest reasons to implement it. Modern ITOM environments are incredibly complex, and only growing more so with each year. As companies grow, their IT footprint becomes a complicated morass. Legacy products, bespoke solutions, and continually-expanding set of users, devices and data multiply complexity. Trying to manage all of this with traditional tools and techniques is a daunting task.
That’s where AIOps comes in. By automating the analysis of data and applying machine learning algorithms, AIOps can help organizations tame IT complexity. It does this by identifying problems and issues before they become critical, recommending solutions, and expediting fixes. Done correctly, an AIOps strategy filters the mountain of data coming at IT teams. It can automate issues that don’t require human intervention, and escalating items most likely to have the biggest downstream impact.
This is a huge shift in the way IT operates, and it can be difficult to know where to start. But with a clear plan and the right tools, your organization can make the jump to AIOps transformation. You can begin reaping its benefits. Here are a few tips to get you started:
AIOps: Not a Plug and Play Solution
But AIOps is not a silver bullet. To get the most out of it, organizations need to have a clear understanding of their current environment and where they want to go. They also need a team with the skillset to design, build and operate an AI-enabled infrastructure. Without this foundation in place, any investment in AIOps will just lead to more bloat and complication. It will result in a solution that doesn’t really solve the central problems AIOps is best at tackling.
Tackling the hard stuff first
The real test of AI adoption is your teams, their processes and the skills they’ll need when it comes time for them to make an impact with new technology at work. That’s what organizational change management really means!
So where do you start? The first step is to take a close look at your current operations and figure out which areas are ripe for automation. You also need to identify the data that’s most relevant to making better decisions. Then find a way to make it available in a timely manner. Once you have these pieces in place, you can start building a roadmap for your next six months to a year. Think of it like a pilot program. You need a proof-of-concept to ensure that your approach will work for you. Then you can feel secure investing time, money and resources into a full-on AIOps initiative.
Key Takeaways: a good way to think about AIOps is that it’s a journey, not a destination. You need a clear vision of where you want your business processes and IT systems will be in the future so there are no surprises down the road. As with any technology implementation project, it takes time for people within to adopt, embrace and carry forward the vision.
Test, Learn and Iterate: The Path to AIOps Transformation
Don’t be afraid to take a slow and steady approach in the beginning because this is new territory for all of IT operations. As you begin to see successes (and failures, which can be equally valuable learning opportunities), you’ll have a better visibility into what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s pertinent to your specific environment.
Only then can you really start to think about a long-term roadmap for your AIOps transformation initiative. You’ll have access to not just the raw data, but the insights that can be truly transformative for your business. Your IT team can be freed up to work on higher-order initiatives and projects. And best of all, you’ll be able to continue delivering the high-quality services that your customers have come to expect.
AIOPs: Powering the Future of IT Operations
If you’re looking to really make a difference in your IT operations, AIOps is the way to go. By taking a holistic and automated approach to data analysis, you can overcome many of the challenges that have been holding you back. With the help of AI and machine learning, you can gain a much deeper understanding of your infrastructure and environment.
AIOps is a transformative technology that can take your IT operations to a whole new level. However, it’s important to take a steady and pragmatic approach in order to maximize its potential. By taking into account where you really are, and what needs to be done to clear the runway, you can make significant strides in the right direction. With a clear vision and execution plan, your company can realize all of the benefits that AIOps has to offer.
The truth is, no one knows exactly how far this transformative technology can take us. We just have to keep taking the next step forward to get a better vantage point of the future. At Windward, we’ve helped a number of companies make great strides towards their vision for AIOps transformation.
If you’d like to learn more – or share your own journey with AIOps – we’d love to hear from you.
