More Devices, Less Staff: The Evolving IT Landscape Presents New Challenges Around Devices, Staff­ and Complexity

Sponsored By: IT Glue

Guest IDC Blogger: Phil Hochmuth, Research VP

The business mantra of “do more with less” is a universal catch-all directive that often lacks any clear, specific or helpful “know how” to get results. as a means to an end.

Modern IT operations teams will soon face a critical challenge: Managing a growing number of devices, while operating with a dwindling IT operations staff. This shift is driven by the expanding use of multiple devices, the rise of diverse operating systems and the increasing number of endpoint management tools used to control these environments. As companies adapt to this new reality, automation and AI will become strategic features and functions of endpoint strategies.

The expanding role of devices in business operations

Device proliferation in the workplace is rampant. According to IDC’s “2024 U.S. Enterprise Endpoint Management Survey,” employees frequently use multiple devices, with some workers using or interacting with three, four or even five different endpoints in their daily jobs. The shift is not just about quantity; it’s about functionality. Devices now serve roles beyond traditional applications, supporting workflows that extend across mobile, desktop and cloud environments. The replacement of traditional desk phones with smartphones and increased adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) are also driving the growth of enterprises’ endpoint device fleets.

The rise of non-Windows devices in the enterprise

Windows has long dominated the enterprise computing environment, but that dominance is waning. Businesses are increasingly incorporating macOS, iOS, Android and ChromeOS devices into their IT ecosystems. In fact, non-Windows devices are now considered critical to business productivity and operations, underscoring the need for IT departments to adapt to a multi-OS environment.

This diversification creates new challenges for IT teams, whose members must ensure compatibility, security and seamless integration across various platforms. Unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions are playing a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing centralized management for a broad range of device types and operating systems.

The growing complexity of endpoint management

With an increasing number of devices and operating systems, endpoint management has become more complex. Organizations typically use multiple endpoint management tools, with an average of four different solutions in place. This multi-tool approach introduces challenges such as integration difficulties and increased administrative overhead.

Additionally, while Windows endpoints tend to benefit from automated deployment methods, other device types still rely on manual setup. As organizations strive for efficiency, there is a strong push toward greater automation in device provisioning and configuration.

Shrinking IT teams and the need for automation

The ratio of worldwide devices to IT operations/system administration roles is expected to rise from approximately 6,000 devices per IT staff member in 2023 to nearly 10,000 by 2028. This dramatic increase underscores the urgent need for automation and AI-driven solutions to bridge the gap.

AI and machine learning are key components in how IT organizations will cope with this demand. These emerging strategic tools will be critical for helping smaller IT teams manage growing complexity of mixed endpoint environments. In a recent IDC study, more than two-thirds of organizations said they plan to deploy AI technology to streamline endpoint management operations and automate repetitive tasks (e.g., writing scripts, applying software patches, detecting vulnerabilities). By leveraging AI, teams can gain greater visibility into their mixed endpoint environments and better document all the processes and details involved and reduce complexity for smaller teams.

Essential guidance for IT leaders

As businesses navigate this transition, IT leaders must adopt strategies to stay ahead of the challenges.

IDC offers several recommendations for managing the shift effectively:

• Prepare for a multi-device, multi-OS environment. Anticipate diverse device ecosystems and invest in endpoint management solutions that support multiple platforms seamlessly.
• Embrace a unified IT asset management and knowledge solution that provides full visibility into all assets across a diverse ecosystem, along with the processes that support them.
• To elevate your IT team to higher strategic areas of IT, including security and innovation, focus on optimizing workflows and eliminating inefficiencies.
• Leverage AI to streamline IT operations in managing a diverse ecosystem. Integrate AI and automation into routine IT tasks, including asset management, knowledge management, and service delivery, to drive efficiency and scalability.

The future of endpoint management will be defined by a balance between technological innovation and workforce adaptation. Organizations that embrace automation, AI, and robust endpoint management frameworks will be best positioned to thrive. By anticipating the challenges and opportunities ahead, IT leaders can ensure their teams remain agile, efficient, and prepared for the demands of a complex digital environment.

In the face of this “do more with less” imperative, the key to success lies in strategic technology adoption and forward-thinking IT management practices that incorporate AI and automation. Organizations that can figure out “how” to proactively implement these strategies today will be the ones leading the way tomorrow.

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