Introduction

Since the first release of this paper in 2024, the AI landscape has changed dramatically. Several new tools have hit the market, and AI has made major strides in reasoning, task execution, and information processing. We’re only beginning to understand AI’s full potential, with exciting new use cases appearing almost daily.

At the same time, AI is becoming much more affordable and accessible. As manufacturers continue to embed AI into devices and more users experience its value firsthand, it’s becoming easier to introduce AI into business environments. Gartner predicts that generative AI spending will exceed $600 billion in 2025, representing a 76.4% year-over-year increase.¹ McKinsey also found that 92% of executives plan to increase AI investments over the next three years.²

Perceptions about AI are shifting as well. In a Freshworks study, 72% of workers said they now trust AI to bring value to their work, while 70% want to develop AI skills to stay marketable.³ While concerns about privacy and job displacement remain, those worries are expected to subside as AI becomes more integrated with daily workflows, improves productivity, and creates new opportunities.

As early AI adoption gives way to broader implementation, businesses face new challenges, such as identifying where AI can drive value, aligning with existing systems, and upskilling teams. This presents a major opportunity for technology advisors. As demand and adoption accelerate, the need for expert guidance and support is greater than ever. Advisors are uniquely positioned to help organizations identify practical AI use cases, navigate implementation, and gain competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market.

In this paper, updated for spring 2025, we’ll explore the latest AI developments, real-world applications across key practice areas like CX, cybersecurity, cloud, and IoT, and steps that advisors can take to position and deliver AI solutions for today’s evolving business needs.