Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a seismic transformation that’s changing the way
we work. According to McKinsey, artificial intelligence is used by 56% of companies
worldwide, a number that should keep growing. So what happens when you combine
AI with products and solutions from a provider that believes teams are at the heart of
humanity’s greatest achievements?
Atlassian’s collaboration tools and practices help over 250,000 customers tackle tasks big
and small, from space missions to climate change, from bugs in code to equipment requests.
Now, Atlassian users can access Atlassian Intelligence—a virtual teammate integrated
throughout Atlassian’s cloud products, helping your organization to work more effectively.

So, AI isn’t just the latest tech buzzword—it’s a real game changer. Remember how the whole Internet thing blew up and changed everything in the early 2000s? AI is having that same crazy impact. Students are quitting school to launch AI startups, there’s a flood of new investment, and old software businesses are getting turned upside down.

The State of Things

AI is still shaking up the business world, and it’s only going to get more intense. By 2030, most leaders expect their workplaces to look totally different, all thanks to AI and how we handle information. Some CIOs are already weaving AI into their business, but a lot of IT teams are stuck with old ways of working: top-down rules, rigid systems, and outsourcing mainly just to keep costs low.

But if you want your tech to actually help the company thrive with AI, you don’t need to throw out everything and start over. The real secret? Take a hard look at how your IT teams are structured, what skills they have, who you work with, and how you make AI part of everyday life.

The old-school IT setup was great for being stable—not so much for being fast or trying new things. Now, these traditional models are holding companies back. The ones that are moving ahead? Their teams know their industry and aren’t afraid to try something new.

Challenges Along the Way

Of course, change isn’t easy. Budgets keep shrinking, and what’s left usually goes toward keeping old systems running—not building new things. That can kill the vibe between IT and the rest of the business, which you really need if you want to do cool stuff with AI.

How AI Is Flipping IT on Its Head

• Developers: Now they’re using AI assistants, so they spend more time on design and quality, not just plain old code. Plus, since AI can handle different coding languages, it’s cheaper and easier to update apps.
• Data Teams: Data is getting more user-friendly. AI helps organize, define, and code—making the whole experience better for everyone who needs it.
• Support: Monitoring and tracking problems? AI is making this easier with features like “self-healing” systems.

Six Ways to Rework Your IT Model for AI

1. Mix Up Skills and Automation
   Don’t just outsource everything. Keep stuff in-house if it’s really important, and use AI to make it even better. Lots of companies are now hiring for key roles like analytics, instead of farming it out.
2. Rethink Who Does What
   Today’s IT teams have employees, freelancers, outside vendors, and digital “workers” (like bots and AI tools). Match the task to the talent.
3. Give Outsourcing a Makeover
   Saving money still matters, but old ways of measuring costs don't fit with today’s faster pace. Start looking for vendors who move quickly and care about innovation—not just billing by the hour.
4. Break Down Silos
   AI won’t work its magic if teams aren’t talking. Make sure the people who know the business best are involved in building AI solutions. Start with problems your team gets, and help them bring that AI wisdom to others.
5. Bake AI Into Daily Work
   Don’t just bolt AI onto old workflows. Redesign jobs and processes so teams can get more done with fewer people—and focus on the work that matters.
6. Evolve Gradually—Don’t Blow Everything Up
   Trying to change everything overnight is a recipe for chaos. It’s better to upgrade step by step, getting value as you go. This way, you’re always getting better without burning the house down.

Final Thoughts

Updating how IT works isn’t a one-and-done thing—it’s ongoing. AI is the latest and possibly the biggest push. If CIOs make the right moves—balancing what’s done in-house vs. outside, getting teams to work together, and making AI second-nature—they’ll build tech teams that are not just faster, but smarter and able to handle whatever comes next.