In the relentless storm of technology buzzwords, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Professionals are constantly bombarded with hype around the next revolutionary AI model or game-changing digital platform, creating a sense of pressure to adopt, adapt, and innovate at a breakneck pace. The noise can be deafening, making it difficult to separate genuine trends from fleeting fads.
Against this backdrop, the Constellation Connected Enterprise (CCE) 2025 conference offers a refreshing dose of reality. In a live analysis after CCE day one, Constellation analysts addressed the skepticism, fatigue, and genuine uncertainty that many organizations are experiencing behind closed doors.
This post distills the six main takeaways from their discussion and offers a more straightforward path forward for anyone navigating the complex modern tech landscape.
1. The "Pick a Platform" Play for AI is Fueling Executive Fatigue
The idea that every business problem can be solved by adopting a new platform is facing significant backlash. According to the CCE panel, IT buyers are experiencing severe SaaS and platform fatigue, particularly when it comes to AI. CR Editor in Chief Larry Dignan confirmed this sentiment, providing a detailed view of the specific pain points:
“There are some serious SaaS concerns among IT buyers because they’re not sure about this platform play. They’re tired of platforms. They’re worried about pricing, and they are looking at options.”
This isn't just a matter of financial caution; it's an emotional exhaustion with the entire paradigm. Analyst Liz Miller captured the feeling of many technology leaders with a candid and widely shared frustration:
“Every time someone would be like, here’s what you gotta do with AI. You’ve got to pick a platform and go. And then everyone was like, okay. What platform?... but I’m really sick of platforms.”
This insight serves as a critical reality check for the entire tech ecosystem. For vendors, it signals that differentiation and transparent value are no longer optional. For buyers, it validates the need to demand more before adding another "solution" to the pile. This skepticism is forcing a fundamental re-evaluation of IT strategy, starting with the age-old question of whether to build or buy.
2. It's Not 'Build vs. Buy' Anymore
The long-standing debate over whether to build a proprietary solution from scratch or buy an off-the-shelf product has become a staple of IT strategy sessions. The discussion at CCE, however, decisively reframed this dilemma, signaling a maturity in the market. The new perspective moves away from an "either/or" mindset and toward a more nuanced, strategic approach. As one analyst stated directly, the question has changed: "It’s not build versus buy. It’s what you're going to build and what you’re going to buy."
This simple but profound shift requires businesses to conduct a more sophisticated analysis. Instead of choosing one path, leaders must now honestly evaluate their goals, capabilities, and existing tech ecosystems to find their unique, optimal mix. It’s a move from a simple choice to a complex, strategic composition tailored to the specific needs of the organization.
3. The AI Agents Are Already Talking to Each Other
While much of the public conversation around AI focuses on standalone models, the next wave of innovation is already here, and it’s fundamentally altering business models.
Analyst Martin Schneider declared, “The AI exponentials are here… services will be provided… pricing models are changing.” This isn't just a technical evolution; it's a commercial one, driven by the rise of interconnected, "agentic" ecosystems. In practical terms, this means individual AI agents are beginning to interact with each other across different platforms, creating an entirely new layer of automated digital workflow. This isn't a far-off concept; it's happening now. Schneider underscored the urgency for organizations to prepare:
“What your agentic AI orchestrator is… because these agents are here. They’re getting used to it, and they are talking to each other, and it’s multi-platform.”
This evolution from standalone AI tools to a collaborative network of agents signals a fundamental change in how digital operations will be structured. Understanding this interconnected future is a critical first step for any organization looking to leverage AI for a true competitive advantage.
4. It's Okay to Be Learning as You Go
In the high-stakes world of enterprise technology, conferences are often stages for experts who present themselves as infallible authorities. One of the most surprising and valuable takeaways from the CCE panel was a direct contradiction of this culture: a refreshing admission of collective uncertainty.
The analysts openly acknowledged that when it comes to emerging technologies, nobody has all the answers. This honesty stands in stark contrast to the typical industry posturing. Analyst Holger Mueller perfectly captured this counterintuitive insight:
“Very few people know stuff with no offense. Right? They’re all learning. Nobody is coming as an authority and saying, This is the data lake I want to use… this is the AI framework which we’re going to use. But nobody has that certainty.”
This admission is incredibly liberating. It gives organizations permission to move past "analysis paralysis"—the fear of making the wrong choice in a rapidly changing field. This collective humility is not a sign of weakness, but a prerequisite for genuine innovation. Success will come not from picking the "perfect" solution from the start, but from embracing flexibility, experimentation, and a culture of learning by doing.
5. The Best First Step Isn't Action—It's a Strategy
After days of absorbing new ideas and discussing cutting-edge tools, the temptation for conference attendees is to rush back to the office and start implementing. However, the CCE panel offered a crucial piece of grounding advice: strategy must always come before action. Liz Miller provided a final reality check that cut through the post-conference excitement:
"I’m just not sure how much action we’re going to be taking, but the conversation is being had. And I think the lesson to be learned and the best practice is… You need a strategy."
Her point is a vital reminder that for any new initiative to be sustainable and impactful, it must be guided by a clear roadmap. In an environment saturated with trends, prioritizing strategic planning over impulsive implementation allows an organization to stay focused on its long-term objectives and avoid the costly, directionless churn that comes from chasing every new tool.
6. Your AI Strategy is Only as Good as Your Data Foundation
In the rush to adopt sophisticated AI and analytics tools, the most critical component is often the most overlooked: data. The panel stressed that a clean, well-structured data foundation is the absolute backbone of success. Ignoring this fundamental layer risks building a digital house of cards.
This insight serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the hype around shiny new technologies. Analyst Mike Ni brought the conversation back to this grounding truth:
“Start first with your platform, make sure you have your data foundations right… It does come back to the data.”
Without a solid data strategy, any investment in the "agentic AI ecosystems" discussed earlier is premature and likely to fail. Data remains an untapped goldmine for most organizations, and focusing on a robust data architecture is the essential first step to unlocking its value. Before scaling operations or deploying new AI, you must first get your data house in order.
Conclusion: Are You Ready for What's Real?
The overarching theme from the CCE 2025 analyst panel was one of readiness—not for a hypothetical, hype-fueled future, but for the complex reality of today. True preparedness in this era of technological uncertainty comes from a pragmatic blend of strategic patience and agile learning. It requires embracing honest assessments of platform fatigue, committing to a clear strategy, and continuously learning in a field where no one has all the answers.
Ultimately, the path forward is paved with fundamentals. Before chasing the next big thing, the most effective organizations will be the ones that ensure their data foundations are rock solid. In a world selling easy answers and perfect platforms, what is the one strategic question your organization needs to ask before making its next move?
