Chain of Thought

Do I Need Agents? | Gartner’s Haritha Khandabattu

Feb 19, 2025

Haritha Khandabattu, Senior Director Analyst for AI at Gartner, dives into the fascinating world of AI agents. She untangles the hype around these technologies and offers real-world examples of successful implementations. Listen as she discusses critical considerations for engineering leaders, the challenge of building versus buying AI solutions, and the necessity of collaboration between data and software teams. Haritha also tackles ethical concerns and provides practical tips to enhance productivity while integrating AI into organizations.

45:47

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Episode guests

Haritha Khandabattu

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Quick takeaways

Engineering leaders must carefully assess their organization's specific needs and potential use cases before implementing AI agents to ensure successful outcomes.

Addressing ethical challenges and governance mechanisms is crucial for responsible AI implementation, particularly in managing risks associated with multi-agent systems.

Deep dives

Understanding AI Agents

AI agents are increasingly recognized for their potential in automating tasks across various sectors, including healthcare and e-commerce. However, the current reality indicates a significant gap between the enthusiasm surrounding AI agents and their practical capabilities, mainly due to their reliance on high-quality data and ethical considerations. For instance, while advancements in autonomous vehicles are notable, challenges persist in their real-world applications, demonstrating that reliable AI requires sound reasoning and a connection to reality. As AI technology evolves, addressing fundamental issues like understanding human intentions is crucial to move from aspirational goals to functional AI agents.

Intro

4min

Navigating the Realities of AI Agents

18min

Navigating the Build vs Buy Dilemma in AI Solutions

2min

Navigating Technical Debt and Building Robust Foundations for Agents

2min

Bridging the Gap: Collaboration in AI Development

7min

AI's Impact on Software Engineering

12min

If you’re an engineering leader or CIO and haven’t already implemented agents, you’re probably being asked to. But the question you should ask yourself isn’t simply why; it’s where.

This week, Haritha Khandabattu, Senior Director Analyst for AI at Gartner, joins us to cut through the hype surrounding AI agents. She provides real-world examples of successful implementations and reveals how to avoid common pitfalls. Listen now to discover the crucial questions leaders should ask before taking the plunge, including assessing your organization's needs and identifying the right use cases.

Chapters:

00:00 The Hype and Reality of AI Agents

05:33 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of AI Agents

14:18 Evaluating AI Agents: Benchmarks and Misconceptions

22:21 Building vs. Buying AI Solutions

26:43 Collaboration Between Data and Software Engineering Teams

33:48 AI's Impact on Software Development

37:37 The Zone of Deep Productivity

40:44 Practical Takeaways for Implementing AI Agents

44:15 Conclusion and Farewell

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