IT Trends and Predictions for 2026

SolarWinds TechPod returns with its annual IT trends and predictions episode — and 2026 is all about Agentic AI. In this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor are joined by Sascha Giese (SolarWinds) and Lauren Okruch (SolarWinds Product Marketing) to break down how AI, ITSM, automation, governance, and resilience will shape IT operations in 2026. As a leader in IT management, observability, and IT service management, SolarWinds offers a unique perspective on how Agentic AI is moving IT from automation to autonomous action — and what that means for governance, security, and the evolving role of IT teams. Topics covered in this SolarWinds TechPod episode: What Agentic AI means for modern IT organizations How SolarWinds sees AI evolving beyond traditional automation The rise of shadow AI and shadow IT in enterprise environments Why IT governance and trust are critical in 2026 How ITSM is changing with AI-driven workflows Energy, sustainability, and cost considerations of AI at scale Resilience, multi-cloud strategies, and right-compute decision making Why IT is no longer just a cost center — but an innovation engine This episode is essential listening for SolarWinds users, IT leaders, sysadmins, service desk teams, and technology decision-makers preparing for the next era of AI-powered IT operations. Subscribe to SolarWinds TechPod for expert insights on ITSM, observability, AI in IT, automation, and digital transformation — straight from the SolarWinds community.