The way we build and scale AI-powered applications is changing faster than anyone could have imagined. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen dramatic shifts in how developers design experiences and solve challenges with large language models (LLMs). But as trends continue to evolve—often faster than we can adopt them—the big question becomes: How do you find an application platform that doesn’t just keep up but is truly future-proof?
Whether you’re scaling retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), adopting function calling, or exploring agentic architectures, the Tanzu Platform with Tanzu AI Solutions is here to help you adapt and thrive in every stage of your app’s evolution.
From 2023 to Today: Retrieval-Augmented Apps at Scale
This year became a tipping point for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications. Developers and organizations alike fully embraced RAG as a valuable use case for maximizing ROI for models and by extension GenAI apps. RAG applications tap into external data sources like knowledge bases and internal databases to provide more accurate, context-aware, and up-to-date responses. By embedding retrieval right into the pipeline, RAG broke through the barriers of static models, enabling more dynamic and personalized app experiences with more accurate responses.
Design Pattern Trends: RAG Gains, Fine Tuning Is Rare, and Agents Break Out
Survey of 600 U.S. IT decision-makers at enterprises with 50 or more employees conducted between September 24 and October 8, 2024
https://menlovc.com/2024-the-state-of-generative-ai-in-the-enterprise/
However, the adoption of RAG architecture introduced new challenges too. From managing data pipelines to ensuring low latency, developers needed application platforms that could handle the added complexity without compromising stability or performance.
VMware Tanzu Platform provided the answer with our introduction of VMware Tanzu AI Solutions in 2024. By centralizing model brokering and governance for GenAI apps, alongside container management and data integrations organizations can now optimize for RAG workflows and developers can gain the support they need to take retrieval-based apps to scale with confidence.
The Rise of Function Calling in 2024
Just as the industry settled into RAG-dominance, another seismic shift was happening in 2024: function calling. Suddenly, developers could couple LLMs with external APIs to seamlessly execute real-world tasks. This innovation turned static interactions into actionable workflows.
Imagine an app that not only generates travel itineraries but also books flights and hotels in the same flow. Or a customer service bot that doesn’t just parse an issue but fires off a command to reset your internet connection in real time. These weren’t just possibilities anymore—they became the new expectations for apps with practical functionality.
Function calling created dev challenges, too. Extending your infrastructure to incorporate API orchestration required a platform that could ensure reliability, security, and scalability as the number of external integrations grew. Once again, the Tanzu Platform can provide value in this scenario by helping developers tame the complexity while staying agile enough to integrate new and evolving APIs effortlessly.
Looking Ahead to 2025: The Year of Agentic App Architectures
Prepare for another shift because 2025 will be the year of agent-driven apps. What are agents, and why are they such a big deal?
While agentic app patterns can be inclusive of RAG and function calling, agentic apps can be so much more. Unlike static LLM-driven apps that simply respond to predetermined inputs, agents take initiative, proactively discovering and exploring solutions to dynamic problems. Fueled by powerful LLMs, agents analyze user intent, determine tasks to execute, and work autonomously (or collaboratively with other agents) to deliver highly personalized and intelligent experiences.
Picture this scenario:
- A supply-chain management AI agent that forecasts disruptions and automatically retools logistics to accommodate them.
- An insurance platform AI agent that can autonomously analyze claims, assess market conditions, and negotiate with customers while keeping adjusters in the loop.
It’s not just AI answering questions anymore—it’s AI thinking in workflows, orchestrating solutions that previously required hands-on human interaction.
But agentic architectures don’t come without their roadblocks. They demand deeply adaptable infrastructure, new security paradigms, dynamic scalability as well as robust and automated testing and performance analytics. A truly future-proof app platform like Tanzu Platform, which already includes Tanzu AI Solutions today, equips developers, IT teams, and leaders to support these advanced workloads while continuing to iterate at speed.
Beyond 2025: The Only Constant is Change
If there’s one thing we can guarantee about the future of GenAI apps, it’s this—it won’t stand still. From evolving user demands to emerging model capabilities, the industry will keep facing challenges we haven’t yet imagined. To stay competitive, you need an application platform that doesn’t shy away from these changes but thrives on them.
The Tanzu Platform is the ultimate all-in-one solution for intelligent app development. There’s no need to wait for conditions to be just right. With Tanzu AI Solutions in Tanzu Platform you don’t need GPUs, or an in-house model, or python skills or even standardized development patterns. Tanzu Platform is built for immediate use and is designed to effortlessly adapt to future innovations. Consider it your “easy button” for integrating GenAI into any application in less than two weeks.
The Time to Future-Proof is Now
The rapid innovation of GenAI demands action. Developers, IT managers, and executives alike must invest in the right solutions to ensure their LLM-driven applications can succeed—not just today, but far into the future.
With Tanzu AI Solutions now available in Tanzu Platform, your teams can develop and manage GenAI apps like any other application. Whether you are a startup or an enterprise giant— stay ahead of trends like RAG, function calling, and agentic architectures while remaining flexible for whatever comes next. With powerful tools for orchestration, AI model integration, and edge-to-cloud capability, Tanzu Platform helps you build applications that can evolve over time.
Ready to get started with GenAI App Delivery? Unleash the true potential of your GenAI apps with Tanzu Platform and Tanzu AI Solutions. It’s time to scale smarter, innovate faster, and create experiences that redefine what’s possible. Learn more about how Tanzu Platform can prepare you to future proof your applications and adapt to new GenAI trends: Contact your Tanzu sales Rep today!
