NetApp, a leader in intelligent data infrastructure, has launched its second annual Data Complexity Report, shedding light on how global businesses are addressing the growing complexity of managing data for AI. This year’s research explores the anticipated impact of AI on organizations in 2025 and beyond, offering actionable insights on leveraging AI’s potential while navigating its challenges.
AI Investment: A Necessity for Future Success
As AI adoption grows, two-thirds of companies report that their data is either fully or mostly optimized for AI. However, despite these advancements, 40% of global tech executives believe significant investments will be required in 2025 to scale AI capabilities. While progress has been made in data optimization, the road ahead demands even more commitment to achieve breakthroughs in AI-driven innovation.
Data Silos: Overcoming Barriers to AI Success
A unified data strategy is crucial for AI’s success. According to the report, 79% of global tech executives acknowledge that data unification plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal AI outcomes. Companies that have removed data silos by unifying data storage across hybrid multicloud environments are far more likely to meet their AI goals. Data unification should remain a top priority for businesses aiming to harness AI’s transformative power.
Data Security: The Rising Threats of AI Adoption
With AI’s rapid growth, the risk of security threats is escalating. 41% of global tech executives predict a sharp rise in security challenges by 2025, particularly around protecting AI models and data sets. Countries leading in AI adoption, such as India, Japan, and the United States, report higher levels of cyber threats. As AI adoption increases, so does the attack surface, making cybersecurity a critical concern for tech executives. However, proactive cybersecurity measures are beginning to show results, with a 17% decrease in the number of organizations prioritizing cybersecurity compared to last year.
Data Sustainability: AI’s Environmental Impact
The rapid expansion of AI and its reliance on data infrastructure raise concerns about sustainability. While 34% of tech executives expect major shifts in corporate sustainability processes due to AI, the environmental costs of data growth are a growing challenge. AI-driven data management demands substantial energy, potentially conflicting with sustainability goals. The focus on reducing carbon footprints has slightly waned from 84% in 2023 to 72% in 2024, but managing AI’s environmental impact will remain a key issue moving forward.
Conclusion: Securing the Future with Intelligent Data Infrastructure
The Data Complexity Report highlights a crucial shift for businesses: those investing in intelligent data infrastructure, security, and sustainability are positioning themselves for long-term success in the AI era. By addressing the challenges of data complexity, security, and sustainability, companies can unlock AI’s full potential, gain a competitive edge, and drive innovation across industries.
Final Thoughts: As AI continues to transform industries, businesses must navigate the complexities of data management, security, and sustainability to stay ahead. By unifying their data, prioritizing security, and embracing sustainability, companies can future-proof their operations and capitalize on AI’s transformative potential.