The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 IT decision makers in the US, UK and DACH regions, found that 54% of businesses see cloud data management as a key investment area over the next 18 months, compared to 48% for AI. This highlights a crucial point: businesses recognize the importance of getting their data infrastructure in order before diving headfirst into AI initiatives.
“With hybrid cloud storage at the heart of business, organizations need strategies to leverage their most valuable asset: data,” said David Grant, president of Nasuni. “At the same time, they need strategies to address critical IT challenges, including ransomware attacks and the introduction of AI integrations to the market.”
The focus on cloud over AI is driven by several factors.
1. Data security and privacy concerns:The study found that 42% of companies cite data security and privacy as the top barrier to developing or implementing AI solutions. By focusing on cloud infrastructure, companies can address these concerns and create a secure environment for future AI deployments.
2. Adoption of hybrid cloud:65% of enterprises plan to implement a hybrid cloud storage model in the coming year. This shift toward hybrid cloud solutions demonstrates the recognition that flexible and scalable data management is essential for future growth and innovation.
3. Data recovery and business continuity:As cyber threats multiply, 59% of businesses believe cloud initiatives improve data security and disaster recovery times. This focus on resilience is critical to maintaining business operations and protecting valuable data.
4. AI Foundation:While AI may not be the top priority right now, 60% of companies aim to improve data management and visibility through AI in the future. By investing in cloud infrastructure today, companies are laying the foundation for successful AI implementations tomorrow.
5. Skills shortage:The study found that 35% of companies face a skills shortage in AI development and implementation. More established cloud technologies have a larger talent pool to draw from, making them a more immediately actionable investment.
The focus on cloud over AI doesn’t mean that businesses are ignoring the potential of artificial intelligence. Rather, it’s a mature and strategic approach to digital transformation. By starting with building a robust, secure, and flexible cloud infrastructure, organizations are positioning themselves to more effectively leverage AI in the future.
“Traditional storage solutions cannot meet these demands,” David said. “Nasuni’s ‘The Era of Hybrid Cloud Storage’ report provides enterprises with the industry and peer insights they need to understand and act in a rapidly evolving cloud landscape.”
