EMA Research Uncovers Challenges of DIY Network Automation and How Enterprises Can Modernize Without Disruption

64% of enterprises use homegrown software or scripts to automate their networks, yet the majority spend six or more hours each week just maintaining them

LAFAYETTE, Colo., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Management Associates (EMA^™), a leading IT research and consulting firm, today announced the release of its latest research report, "From Scripts to Platforms: Why Homegrown Tools Dominate Network Automation and How Vendors can Help," authored by Shamus McGillicuddy, vice president of research for network infrastructure and operations at EMA.

The report explores why, unlike other areas of IT operations where commercial tools dominate, network teams continue to rely heavily on homegrown scripts and open-source tools—despite the costs. Sixty-four percent of enterprise networking teams use internally developed software or scripts for network automation, according to EMA's ongoing research, but 61% of those teams spend six or more hours per week debugging and maintaining them.

"Network engineers often talk about the 80/20 rule with network automation," McGillicuddy said. "Most vendors can fulfill 80% of network automation use cases with commercial tools, but there always remains that 20% that only a DIY approach can address. This research explores a possible hybrid approach, where engineers can merge their DIY automation with commercial platforms to hit 100% of use cases more efficiently and effectively."

Based on 12 in-depth interviews with enterprise network automation experts, this new report examines why do-it-yourself (DIY) network automation persists, the value it offers, and the hidden costs and risks it introduces. It also explores how network automation vendors can enhance or replace these tools without disrupting existing operations.

Some of the key findings from the report include:

• The drivers of DIY network automation include budget issues and the need to have full control over an automation roadmap
• DIY automation strategies typically struggle with skills gaps in the network automation team, tool complexity, usability issues
• Network automation pros would like vendors to deliver value around tool governance, modularity and extensibility, and logging and reporting

The report offers detailed insights from the 12 one-on-one interviews, highlighting real-world challenges and practical requirements for successful vendor partnerships.

This independent research is sponsored by Itential and NetBrain.

A comprehensive analysis of the findings is available in the full report, "From Scripts to Platforms: Why Homegrown Tools Dominate Network Automation and How Vendors can Help."

McGillicuddy will reveal highlights from the report during the free June 17 webinar.

About EMA
Founded in 1996, EMA is a leading IT research firm that provides deep insight across the full spectrum of IT and data management technologies. EMA analysts leverage a unique combination of practical experience, insight into industry best practices, and in-depth knowledge of current and planned vendor solutions to help their clients achieve their goals. Learn more about EMA research, analysis, and consulting services at https://www.enterprisemanagement.com/

Media Contact:
Raleigh Gould
Enterprise Management Associates
303-543-9500
rgould@enterprisemanagement.com

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SOURCE Enterprise Management Associates