Infrastructure automation has existed ever since the scale of IT infrastructure surpassed the human capacity to manage it. Its importance is only growing as underlying technologies become more complex and geographically dispersed. In a world that demands immediate IT flexibility and adaptivity, capabilities like provisioning infrastructure have become table stakes, while automated problem resolution and remediation are in demand despite their complexity. The future will be smart, consolidated, and confident. This report details the key trends shaping its future and how technology leaders should prepare today.