Partner Content: Customer devices will soon be AI PCs by default, channel survey reveals

While customers may be tempted to take a “wait and see” approach to AI PCs, learning from the experiences of others before the invest, a forward-looking approach is essential

As with any newer technology, there may be a degree of hesitancy around AI PCs. Organisations may be reluctant to go all-in without a clear idea of the benefits AI PCs can bring. The higher cost of devices must be justified to stakeholders and use cases clearly defined.

However, exclusive research from CRN suggests that those in the channel are optimistic about how the market will develop.

In a recent report, CRN surveyed channel partners to understand more about perceptions around AI, including customer attitudes towards AI PCs. Respondents included VARS, MSPs, integrators, resellers and distributors.

Attitudes to AI PCs

When asked to identify the biggest barrier to AI PC adoption among their customers, upfront cost was chosen by 44 per cent. The immaturity of the AI application ecosystem and difficulties building a business case were also identified as hurdles.

However, the research revealed that channel organisations are aware that much of the value of AI PCs will be realised over time, rather than on initial deployment.

Fifty-one per cent predict that new laptops or PCs deployed by customers will be AI PCs by default. Forty-six per cent agree that the benefits of AI PCs will outweigh the additional costs within the next refresh cycle.

Looking to the future

This indicates respondents are optimistic that AI PCs have a place in their customers’ longer-term device strategy, even if adoption levels are currently low. With typical device refresh cycles around three to five years long, this forward thinking is essential.

This is confirmed by the fact that 74 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement "I see the core value and payback in AI PCs to be over the next few years, rather than at launch."

While customers may be tempted to take a “wait and see” approach to AI PCs, learning from the experiences of others before they invest, a forward-looking approach is essential. The devices deployed today must be equipped to deal with advances in AI technology and the processing power this will require, so procurement strategies must take this into account.

Those in the channel must prepare for this uptick in adoption. There is an opportunity to demonstrate the long-term value of AI PCs and they must be ready to meet the information need, setting out the business case for investing in the technology, such as potential efficiency gains, competitive advantages, and ability to unlock innovation.

To find out more, read CRN’s latest report, created in partnership with Lenovo