Dave Cole , CTO , Formstack

As we approach 2025 , CIOs must prioritize AIbased automation as a strategic solution for filling open roles . Instead of traditional hiring practices , organizations should look to AI to handle tasks that are increasingly routine . Tier 1 support positions are an excellent starting point ; these roles are progressively being managed by AI-enabled chatbots and search experiences , enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction . Moreover , the use of AI in data analysis is revolutionizing the way insights are surfaced and dashboards are created , reducing the manual effort previously required .

We are also experiencing a significant shift from “ software as a service ” to “ service as software .” This transformation challenges CIOs to reassess areas where straightforward , people-based services have been the norm . By questioning why certain roles cannot be partially or fully automated , organizations can unlock new efficiencies and drive innovation .

In addition to these shifts , it ’ s essential to keep a close eye on the transformation of in-house application development through AI . For example , designers can now generate front-end code from tools like Figma , which accelerates development and lightens the overall workload for teams . Meanwhile , agent-based

Furthermore , tools like Cursor are evolving the role of engineers from simple copilots to orchestrationdriven models , where AI generates a significant portion of code through prompting . Over time , these advancements will enable smaller teams to produce higher-quality software more efficiently , redefining the future of software development .

Tim Hollebeek , VP , Industry Standards , DigiCert

In 2025 , the CIO must prioritize preparing their organization for the emerging reality of quantum computing . While fully capable quantum computers , known as Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers ( CRQCs ), may still be a few years away , their potential to break current encryption methods demands attention now . With quantum computing advancements accelerating , CIOs should treat “ Q-day ” – the day when quantum computers can break widely used encryption algorithms – as an impending threat .

A key priority for CIOs in 2025 is transitioning to quantum-safe encryption methods . These new algorithms , which are nearing standardization , will protect sensitive data from future decryption attempts by quantum computers . Given that critical data and systems need to be secure for decades , the risk of “ harvest now , decrypt later ” attacks is real . Malicious actors may already be collecting encrypted data to decrypt once CRQCs become available . This is a particular concern for sectors like finance , healthcare , and government , where long-term data security is critical .

Another priority is ensuring that long-term digital signatures , such as firmware signing and network transmissions , are protected with quantum-resistant technologies . CIOs must lead the effort to assess their organization ’ s cryptographic infrastructure and develop a roadmap for adopting quantum-safe protocols well ahead of Q-day .

40 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com