IT is facing a perfect storm driven by three factors: Economic challenges cause shrinking budgets, AI promises streamlined development, and post-COVID allows global sourcing.

Development roles are threatened and evolving rapidly. As an IT manager, I must choose between sourcing experts from Africa or outsourcing to AI later. I'll share insights from insurance and E-Commerce roles, stressing the need to embrace change and innovation. Remember Bob Dylan's wisdom: "You better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone!"

Target Audience: managers, developers, budget owners, architects
Prerequisites:none
Level: Practicing

Extended Abstract:
The current changes in IT are driven by three key factors:

1. Economic Challenges - Shrinking Budgets: As the economy falters, budget constraints become a significant obstacle.
2. The Advent of AI - Easier Development: With AI technology advancing rapidly, development is becoming considerably more streamlined.
3. Post-COVID Global Sourcing: In the aftermath of COVID-19, sourcing expertise globally has become more feasible than ever before.

As a result, the typical development job faces threats and is set to evolve swiftly. In E-Commerce, these changes have been starkly evident over the past year. In the insurance sector, however, the shifts may be less immediate. Nonetheless, all of us are on the path towards this perfect storm. As an IT manager, I must decide whether to source experts from Africa for €250 a day or wait another six months to outsource tasks to AI.

I will present examples from my interim positions in insurance and E-Commerce, comparing their experiences. Additionally, I will share my perspective on what actions to take and how to navigate these changes. As always, we must embrace change, forge ahead, be on the edge of innovation, and make use of all new technological advancements available.

As Bob Dylan sang: "You better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone!"