Navigating the Future of IT Networking: Key Insights from the State of Cloud Networking 2025 Report

Enterprise networking continues to become more complex, forcing leaders to rethink network strategies—especially when integrating technology advancements such as AI. Drawing from the insights of some 200 C-level executives and IT leaders surveyed for Extreme Network’s first annual "State of Cloud Networking 2025" report, we’ve identified powerful trends and future directions that will shape IT networking in the coming years.

Our new study explores how executives are navigating app sprawl, AI integration, and security challenges in the era of platformization. Executives including CIOs and CISOs face complex, distinct challenges in understanding how to best leverage the convergence of AI, networking, and security, and how to best manage the adoption of new and emerging software solutions.

Current challenges in networking

App sprawl and its impact on efficiency and security

The increase of applications in the enterprise environment, known as app sprawl, presents a notable challenge. According to the report, 75% of executives and IT leaders use three or more tools to manage their networks. This leads to inefficiencies and potential security risks due to disparate tools creating information silos and vulnerabilities.

App sprawl is not just an inconvenience; it drains resources and reduces operational efficiency by requiring expertise, training, and maintenance for each new tool, straining IT departments. The lack of integration leads to fragmented workflows and higher chances of error, such as undetected security issues that expose the organization to cyber-attacks. Additionally, managing multiple tools results in redundant features and user confusion, complicated troubleshooting and distracting IT teams from maintaining a secure network.

The need for integrated platforms

Despite the complexity of the current landscape, only 6% of IT leaders utilize a single network management tool. This fragmentation highlights the need for platforms that offer built-in security, AI capabilities, and seamless workflows. Such platforms can simplify deployment, enhance user experience, and increase operational efficiency.

An integrated platform can unify various aspects of network management into a cohesive system, enabling better visibility and control over the entire network. These platforms leverage advanced technologies such as AI to automate routine tasks, predict potential issues, and optimize performance. AI-driven analytics can provide deeper insights into network traffic patterns, identifying anomalies that might indicate security threats or performance bottlenecks.

Integrated platforms are designed with interoperability in mind, allowing them to communicate effortlessly with other tools and systems within the enterprise ecosystem. This reduces the friction associated with integrating disparate solutions and can help ensure that all components work harmoniously towards common objectives. By consolidating management functions into a single interface, IT teams can streamline their operations, reduce administrative overhead, and focus on strategic initiatives that drive business value.

Insights from the State of Cloud Networking 2025 report 

The State of Cloud Networking 2025 report offers several key insights based on its survey responses:

The need for platformization

89% of surveyed leaders seek a single, integrated platform to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

The overwhelming demand for platformization reflects a growing recognition of the benefits that integrated solutions can bring. Organizations are seeking ways to simplify their IT environments, improve agility, and reduce costs by consolidating their toolsets. A unified platform can eliminate redundancies, standardize processes, and provide a single source of truth for all network-related activities, making it easier to monitor, manage, and secure the infrastructure.

AI integrations

54% of executives prioritize AI deployment, reflecting the importance of AI in modern networking strategies.

As networks become more complex, the role of AI in managing and optimizing them becomes increasingly critical. AI technologies can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, uncovering patterns and insights that would be impossible for humans to detect. This allows for proactive identification of issues, predictive maintenance, and intelligent automation of routine tasks, freeing up IT staff to focus on higher-value activities. AI-driven solutions can also enhance security by detecting and responding to threats faster and more accurately than traditional methods.

Security concerns

38% of leaders have concerns about data security with their current network tools, highlighting the need for robust security measures.

Data security remains a top priority for IT leaders, as cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and frequency. The concerns expressed by survey respondents underscore the need for integrated security solutions that can provide end-to-end protection across the entire network. Organizations must adopt a multi-layered defense strategy that includes advanced threat detection, real-time monitoring, incident response, and continuous vulnerability assessments to stay ahead of potential attackers.

Strategic recommendations

Embracing platformization – introducing Extreme Platform ONE

To streamline network and security management, IT leaders and C-level executives are looking to use integrated solutions such as Extreme Platform ONE^TM This enterprise connectivity integrates networking and security with AI into a single, simplified experience and licensing model.

Extreme Platform ONE enhances enterprise network management with a unified platform, simplifying processes and increasing efficiency. Its simplified interface centralizes performance monitoring, policy enforcement, and incident response. Working across every aspect of the platform, Extreme’s AI goes beyond fixing the network for NetOps to also provide value to SecOps and business teams across the learn, plan, deliver, and fix journeys, transforming work from hours into minutes.

Prioritizing built-in security features

Security should be central to every network aspect. According to 65% of C-suite executives and IT leaders surveyed, one of the key features they look for on their platforms is built-in security. Implementing solutions like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and network access control (NAC) can protect against threats. ZTNA enables only verified users and devices access critical resources, while NAC enforces policies on who or what can connect, evaluating devices' security posture to prevent vulnerabilities.

Investing in AI training for practical deployments

AI training equips teams with vital skills like data analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks, essential for managing AI technologies. This boosts productivity by automating tasks, reducing cycle times, and enhancing decision-making.

About 90% of CIOs and 82% of CFOs believe their IT staff is adequately trained to effectively deploy AI in or for their network, while just 66% of VPs of IT and 64% of COOs say the same. Despite these mixed perceptions, most leaders clearly see the value in the continued upleveling of AI skills in their workforce. AI analytics identify trends and anomalies in network performance, and automated response systems quickly address threats. Predictive maintenance schedules repairs to prevent downtime. Overall, AI training drives innovation, allowing employees to explore new applications and increase efficiency.

Download the State of Cloud Networking 2025 report for more

The State of Cloud Networking 2025 report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of IT networking. By addressing current challenges and adopting strategic solutions, enterprises can navigate the future of networking effectively. Embracing integrated platforms, prioritizing built-in security features, and investing in AI training are crucial steps toward achieving a resilient and efficient network infrastructure. As the enterprise networking landscape continues to transform, organizations that proactively adapt to these changes will be better positioned to capitalize on new opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive sustained growth.

Download the full report to gain comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations.