Managed Intelligence Providers are the next phase in AI evolution: Here's what SMBs need to know (www.techradar.com)

The adoption of AI tools among small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) is accelerating, with 62% already using AI technologies and 67% planning to boost their AI budgets. This shift marks a significant transformation from traditional tool-based operations to an agentic economy, where businesses leverage autonomous AI agents to achieve outcomes typically reserved for larger enterprises. By focusing on outcomes rather than merely adopting new SaaS features, SMBs are seeking to optimize efficiency and gain a competitive edge against Fortune 500 companies. To navigate this transition, SMBs are encouraged to engage with Managed Intelligence Providers (MIPs), who can facilitate the implementation and strategic integration of these advanced AI systems. MIPs will help businesses design intelligent infrastructures and develop agentic systems tailored to their specific needs. As SMBs evolve their workforce from manual tasks to managing AI agents, they must establish governance frameworks to ensure data security and alignment with business objectives. This new approach empowers SMBs, allowing them to compete on equal footing with larger organizations and driving innovation and growth in the agentic economy.