Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the global business landscape, and Spain is no exception. However, despite its rapid growth, Spanish companies face significant challenges in fully leveraging this technology. According to the report The State of Data Infrastructure Sustainability by Hitachi Vantara, cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the era of digital transformation… (33%) and the lack of quality data to train AI models (32%) are the main concerns of organizations when implementing artificial intelligence projects.
The Importance of Data in AI
The success of artificial intelligence projects largely depends on the quality of the available data. According to the report, only 30% of companies have the necessary data at the required time and place, limiting the development and accuracy of the models. Moreover, AI models reach optimal levels of accuracy in only 32% of cases.
Despite recognizing the importance of data, many companies do not take steps to ensure its quality. Only 28% of organizations actively work to improve their databases, while a concerning 39% do not properly label their data, making it difficult to organize and access.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Challenge
In the context of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity has become a critical priority. 75% of companies surveyed acknowledge that a significant data loss could have catastrophic consequences for their operations. Additionally, 79% express concern about the use of AI as an advanced tool by cybercriminals.
These risks are exacerbated by the fact that 79% of organizations test their AI solutions in real-time without using controlled environments, increasing exposure to failures and security breaches. Only 7% of companies use isolated environments to experiment with AI models, highlighting the lack of secure practices in this area.
Return on Investment and Sustainability: Secondary Objectives
Another relevant finding from the report is that many companies do not prioritize key indicators such as return on investment (ROI) or sustainability when implementing AI projects. More than half of organizations (63%) do not focus their efforts on ROI, and 65% do not consider sustainability a key element in their strategies.
The focus on large-scale AI models, such as LLMs (large language models), is another area of concern. These models consume up to 100 times more energy than specialized models, which poses a significant challenge in terms of sustainability. In Spain, 86% of companies are investing in these large-scale models, which is above the European average of 64%.
Data Infrastructure: The Pillar of Success in AI
The report highlights that a robust data infrastructure is essential to support successful artificial intelligence projects. However, many Spanish companies lack advanced systems to ensure data quality and security. Modern infrastructures, besides being more energy-efficient, allow for improved model performance and reduced carbon footprint.
29% of IT leaders surveyed noted the need for assistance in managing redundant or obsolete data, while 27% require support in developing AI models and virtualization solutions. Additionally, 60% of industry professionals admit that their knowledge of AI is mainly developed through experimentation, highlighting the need for specialized training.
The Role of Technology Partners
To overcome these challenges, Spanish companies are turning to technology partners that can provide comprehensive solutions in hardware, storage, data processing, and secure software. The report underscores the importance of having reliable collaborators to help address key challenges, including:
- Scalable and secure hardware, capable of operating 24/7.
- Sustainable and accessible data solutions, that optimize the organization and traceability of information.
- Qualified personnel, capable of leading AI initiatives based on good practices.
A Future Full of Opportunities and Challenges
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize entire sectors, from customer service to risk prevention. However, to maximize its impact, companies must address issues related to data quality, security, and sustainability.
In an increasingly competitive environment, organizations that invest in modern infrastructures, specialized training, and sustainable strategies will be better positioned to seize the opportunities offered by this technology. AI is not just a tool for the present, but a key for the future of business growth.