For years, IT professionals built their value on knowing how to “keep the lights on.” Whether that meant patching servers, monitoring networks, or resetting passwords, organizations relied on these essential services.
But the role of IT is shifting.
AI and automation are taking over the basics — and they’re doing it faster than most expected. What used to take hours of manual work can now be done in minutes, with greater accuracy and consistency. For clients, this is a big win. For service providers, especially Managed Service Providers (MSPs), it’s a wake-up call: the future of IT is less about fixing problems and more about shaping strategy.
Risk or opportunity?
The reality is that many of today’s foundational IT services are going to be commoditized. If you’re only providing the basics, your value will decline. But this shift doesn’t have to be a threat. In fact, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for IT professionals who are willing to adapt.
When routine tasks are automated, time and energy can be redirected to higher-value work:
- Advising clients on technology strategy.
- Translating IT investments into measurable business outcomes.
- Leading conversations about risk, security, and growth.
- Helping organizations innovate and adapt in a digital-first world.
This is where the future of IT lies… not in keeping systems running, but in showing how technology drives business value.
Building the right skills
Making this leap requires more than technical know-how. It requires skills in leadership, communication, and business alignment. IT professionals need to be comfortable asking the right questions, framing technology in terms of outcomes, and guiding decision-makers with confidence.
A helpful way to think about this is through the SFIA framework (Skills Framework for the Information Age). SFIA provides a global standard for identifying and developing IT skills across levels, from foundational technical abilities to advanced leadership capabilities. Using SFIA (or similar models), MSPs and IT leaders can assess where their teams are today, identify gaps, and chart a path toward the higher-level skills that will be in demand tomorrow.
What this means for MSPs
For MSPs, the change is especially urgent. Clients will expect routine tasks to be automated, and they won’t want to pay premium prices for them. The providers who thrive will be those who shift their positioning from “keeping the lights on” to becoming trusted advisors. That means:
- Training staff not only in technical areas but also in business relationship management.
- Creating service offerings that emphasize strategic planning, governance, and business alignment.
- Building trust by showing how technology supports the client’s mission and goals.
Why It Matters
The automation wave is not slowing down. Basic IT services will continue to be absorbed by AI, tools, and platforms. But this doesn’t mean IT professionals or MSPs are being pushed out…it means they’re being pushed up. Those who embrace the shift, build new skills, and step into advisory and leadership roles will not only secure their future but shape the future of technology in business.
Now is the time to step up.