2025 Connectivity Benchmark Report

Generative AI has transformed how humans interact with technology through prompts, and the next frontier promises an even greater impact. As organizations refine their AI strategies, we are witnessing a significant rise in agentic AI. The agentic enterprise will operate with unprecedented independence capable of responding to queries and handling complex tasks autonomously. This autonomy will optimize workflows, drive innovation, and reduce the need for continuous human intervention.

AI agents will become integral digital building blocks in the IT landscape they will seamlessly interacting with existing integrations and automations and each other. This shift underscores the critical importance of robust data management and integration. Companies that embrace these advancements are not only more agile and efficient but also better positioned to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. 

MuleSoft’s 10th annual Connectivity Benchmark Report, in collaboration with Vanson Bourne and Deloitte Digital, was produced from interviews with 1,050 IT leaders across the globe. 

From the rise of autonomous agents to the critical role of IT expertise in automation, this report provides invaluable insights for IT leaders and decision-makers. Discover the key statistics that highlight the importance of legacy modernization, integration, and API management in driving digital transformation. 

Some top insights from the report:

• 93% of IT leaders report intentions to introduce autonomous agents within the next 2 years, and nearly half already have.
• 66% of respondents still don’t provide an integrated user experience across their channels.
• The average number of apps used by respondents is 897 — with 45% reporting using 1000 applications or more.
• 95% of IT leaders report integration as a hurdle to implementing AI effectively.

See below for additional insights and a preview of the report.

Autonomous agents: A growing force

40% of respondents say they already have autonomous agents in place, and a further 41% are planning to implement them within the next year.

Primary obstacles to AI implementation: Integration and outdated IT architectures

95% of organizations report facing challenges with integration.

IT sees a rising need for integration across all departments

According to IT leaders, at least 80% or more data science, engineering, sales, and customer service departments are reporting a need for integration.

IT teams signal a rethinking of API strategies

APIs and API-related implementations now account for 40% of company revenue according to IT leaders — up from 25% in 2018.