Gartner defines artificial intelligence applications in IT service management as tools that augment and extend IT service management (ITSM) workflows using AI. These analyze ITSM data and metadata (primarily found in ITSM platforms) to provide intelligent advice and actions on ITSM practices and workflows, such as IT service desk and support activities. This software can either be a stand-alone product, capabilities within an ITSM platform or an add-on to an ITSM platform.
Gartner defines IT service management (ITSM) platforms as software that offers cohesive workflow management and automation for organizations to plan, deliver, support and improve integrated IT services. ITSM platforms provide a system of record for ITSM practices, including request, incident, problem, change, knowledge, service level and configuration management. Typically offered as SaaS, ITSM platforms are also available for on-premises deployments as per organizational needs. ITSM platforms are key tools used to manage IT support issues and aid employee productivity. IT leaders require robust ITSM platforms to drive business value in the services they provide, and are increasingly looking for these products to support digital business transformation outside IT. By capturing, tracking and reporting on service-related activities across the estate, the platform acts as a coherent system of record for ITSM-related actions. ITSM platforms boost infrastructure and operations (I&O) teams’ efficiency through automating processes, streamlining decision making and providing seamless integration with third-party applications. As organizational needs grow, advanced multichannel support features enhance the end-user experience, helping IT services remain agile and aligned with business goals.
Professional services automation (PSA) tools help services organizations manage and streamline their business operations by automating tasks and optimizing processes. They provide a centralized platform for service planning and execution, enabling improved efficiency and business performance through better visibility into delivery costs and profitability. PSA tools focused on supporting managed services providers also include integration capabilities for orchestrating and capturing additional service activity delivered through customer accounts via third-party systems and/or service providers. PSA tools provide a centralized platform for collaboration, project planning and tracking, resource allocation, contract management, service management, cost tracking, customer invoicing, and reporting and analytics. Multitenancy is a foundational aspect of PSA tools as users support multiple customers accounts concurrently. With a focus on services delivery activity and cost capture, PSA tools provide organizations insight into profitability overall as well as at the account and service-line level.