COLUMN: How Solution Providers Can Take AI Agents From ‘Buzzword’ To ‘Blockbuster’

By Jennifer Follett August 6, 2025 The AI gold rush is in full swing, with IT vendors racing to market promising digital transformation that impacts everything from software development to customer insights and cybersecurity operations. However, a critical gap exists between what AI offerings promise in theory and what they deliver in practice—a gap that AI-savvy solution providers are uniquely positioned to fill. A key part of the AI story, which gained massive hype entering 2025, is the rise of AI agents: software programs empowered to autonomously complete tasks on a user’s behalf. Recent headlines spotlighted AI agents when OpenAI released ChatGPT Agent, enabling ChatGPT to use its own virtual computer to perform tasks; ServiceNow reported over 20% revenue growth largely driven by AI agents; and Walmart unveiled an AI “super agent” strategy to bring AI tools to customers, employees, partners, and developers. Yet, the concept took a reputational hit when an AI coding agent admitted to violating a directive and deleted a production database, prompting an apology from Replit’s CEO. This incident underscores the seismic opportunity for solution providers to help customers move AI agents from mere buzzwords to blockbuster solutions.

Securing AI Agents

Two critical areas highlight the role of solution providers in realizing AI agents’ potential: securing them and building the supporting data infrastructure. On cybersecurity, managing and securing AI agents’ access to critical data and systems is paramount. As CRN Senior Editor Kyle Alspach explains, “The entire purpose of agents is to connect to many different systems and data sources to autonomously accomplish tasks. But if such access is not actually supposed to be authorized, a data breach is the probable result.” He adds, “Because agents execute tasks without constant human oversight, breaches could go unnoticed for some time.” Solution providers who help organizations navigate these security challenges will find abundant opportunities, as most customers lack the expertise to handle them alone. Matt Shufeldt, chief solutions officer at San Diego-based systems integrator Evotek, notes, “With AI agents, the need for access to data is typically greater. Because of that, you need to solve data management issues more quickly.”

Building AI-Ready Data Infrastructure

In the CRN AI Special Section, Features Editor Rick Whiting highlights key technologies solution providers can leverage to support AI projects. These include ETL (extract, transform, load) tools, data pipeline management, data governance and quality tools, and vector databases. Daniel Avancini, chief data officer at Indicium, a New York-based AI and data consulting firm, tells CRN, “Most companies understand they can’t do advanced AI use cases because their data platforms aren’t ready. They lack the framework, governance, security, or technology to provide AI-ready data.” He adds, “Most companies are not 100% ready for large-scale AI applications.” These foundational challenges will only grow more critical and complex as AI agents proliferate, consuming more data and accessing more sensitive systems. Solution providers positioning themselves as experts in the underpinnings of AI agent deployments will be well positioned to capitalize on this emerging market.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding AI Agents

Q: What exactly are AI agents? A: AI agents are software programs designed to perform tasks autonomously on behalf of a user. They leverage artificial intelligence to make decisions and execute actions without continuous human supervision. Q: What are some recent examples of AI agents being used in practice? A: Notable examples include OpenAI's ChatGPT Agent, which allows ChatGPT to use a virtual computer to perform tasks, ServiceNow's AI agents contributing to significant revenue growth, and Walmart's "super agent" strategy for enhancing customer and employee experiences. Q: What are the primary challenges or risks associated with AI agents? A: A significant risk involves security breaches, as agents require broad access to systems and data. If this access is not properly authorized, it can lead to data breaches that may go unnoticed due to the lack of constant human oversight. Another challenge is ensuring the data infrastructure is ready and secure for these agents. Q: What role do solution providers play in the success of AI agents? A: Solution providers are crucial in bridging the gap between the theoretical promise of AI agents and their practical implementation. They can help with securing these agents, building the necessary data infrastructure, and ensuring robust data management and governance.

Technical Aspects of AI Agents

Q: What technologies are important for supporting AI agent deployments? A: Key technologies include ETL (extract, transform, load) tools, data pipeline management, data governance and quality tools, and vector databases. These form the foundational data infrastructure required for AI agents to function effectively and securely. Q: Are most companies currently ready for large-scale AI agent applications? A: According to industry experts, most companies are not yet fully ready. They often lack the necessary data platform readiness, frameworks, governance, security measures, and technology to support advanced AI use cases driven by agents.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The evolution of AI agents presents a significant opportunity for solution providers to become indispensable partners for businesses navigating the complexities of AI implementation. In the cryptocurrency space, the integration of AI agents can streamline trading operations, enhance market analysis, and bolster security measures. For instance, AI agents can monitor market trends, identify potential trading opportunities, and even automate trading strategies, all while adhering to strict security protocols. Our platform at Crypto Market AI leverages advanced AI to provide insights into these evolving trends, offering tools and analysis that can help businesses and investors harness the power of AI agents responsibly. As the market matures, solution providers who can effectively address the security and data infrastructure challenges will be key to unlocking the full potential of AI agents.

More to Read:

• AI Agents: Capabilities, Risks, and the Growing Role
• How Solution Providers Can Capitalize on the AI Revolution

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Originally published at CRN on August 6, 2025.