Intelligent applications and generative AI will help operators increase the value of their already installed and new networks. By using network-specific knowledge, they can empower operators with trusted solutions that increase network efficiency. In this Sparring Partners with Blake Hlavaty, Director of Global Network Software Offers at Fujitsu, we discussed the practical adoption of automation powered by AI/ML. Intelligent applications help operations teams navigate complex vendor ecosystems using AI/ML tools without being data scientists or knowing how to train data models. These applications embrace multivendor, multilayer network data, seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure and eliminating expensive and disruptive infrastructure re-architectures to accommodate AI.