Impact of Bots on Business Traffic Management

This technical report examines the evolving role of bots, AI, and automated agents in shaping business traffic management strategies. The document outlines the necessity for organizations to adapt their approaches in response to the increasing prevalence of bot traffic, which accounted for 49% of total requests in January 2026. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between wanted and unwanted bot traffic, detailing the implications of each on business operations. The report highlights that 99% of bot requests are from unwanted bots, which can engage in malicious activities and disrupt market competition. Additionally, it discusses the significance of understanding bot intent—whether requests are for cached content or direct origin access—as this knowledge is crucial for informing strategic decisions. The findings suggest that organizations must enhance their visibility into bot interactions with content to safeguard their operational integrity and maintain competitive advantages in the digital landscape.