NetApp, a leader in intelligent data infrastructure, has released its 2024 Data Complexity Report, revealing how global organizations are confronting the increasing complexity of data management in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). This report, based on a study conducted with over 1,300 IT executives across nine markets, provides insights into the challenges and advancements that will shape the coming year, deemed critical for AI-driven business transformation.
The Challenge of Investing in AI
The report emphasizes that two-thirds of companies say their data is “fully or mostly optimized for AI.” However, 40% of global tech executives anticipate that 2025 will require unprecedented investments in data management and artificial intelligence. Despite the progress made, achieving new innovations will demand greater resources, underscoring the importance of prioritizing intelligent data infrastructure to unlock the true potential of AI.
Data Unification as the Key to Success
79% of technology leaders recognize data unification as an essential pillar for AI success. According to the report, companies that eliminate data silos and integrate information across hybrid and multicloud environments are more likely to meet their objectives. Only 23% of companies prioritizing data unification say they will not achieve their goals, compared to 30% of those who do not.
Investment in data management and unified storage is already the top priority for organizations, doubling in importance compared to other AI-related initiatives. This approach not only optimizes processes but also positions companies to leverage competitive advantages in an increasingly demanding market.
CybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the age of… in the AI Era
The rapid adoption of AI is accompanied by a significant rise in security threats. 41% of tech executives anticipate an increase in cyberattacks by 2025, with regions such as India, Japan, and the United States reporting nearly double the incidents compared to countries like Germany, France, and Spain.
The growth of the attack surface, protection of AI models, and security of exposed datasets are some of the main challenges. While 38% of executives place cybersecurity as the top priority, the report shows a 17% decrease in focus on the issue since 2023, indicating significant progress in the fight against cyber threats.
AI and Sustainability: A Delicate Balance
The exponential growth of AI poses significant challenges to corporate sustainability goals. According to the report, 34% of executives expect major changes in corporate sustainability processes, while 33% anticipate new government policies regarding energy and investments.
Although reducing the carbon footprint remains crucial, its importance has slightly declined, from 84% in 2023 to 72% in 2024. The infrastructure required to process AI data consumes large amounts of energy, conflicting with sustainability objectives. NetApp highlights the need to balance environmental costs with the innovative potential of AI.
A Future Defined by Intelligent Data Infrastructure
Krish Vitaldevara, senior vice president at NetApp, emphasizes: “The transformative potential of AI relies on secure, scalable, and sustainable data strategies. Organizations that lead in advanced analytics and AI are those with unified, secure, and well-cataloged data, able to adapt to future challenges.”
The report concludes that investing in intelligent data infrastructure, prioritizing cybersecurity, and addressing sustainability not only ensures more resilient operations but also provides a competitive edge in an AI-dominated landscape.
About NetApp
NetApp, present in over 175 countries, is an intelligent data infrastructure company that combines unified storage, integrated services, and CloudOps solutions. Its mission is to help organizations transform their operations through innovative tools, such as cyber resilience and AI-based observability, offering flexibility and optimization in hybrid and multicloud environments.