Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Hitachi Vantara survey finds data demands to triple by 2026, highlighting critical role of data infrastructure in AI success and revealing gaps in data governance, security, and sustainability
With the rapid adoption of AI across industries, 41% of Australian companies identify data as their top concern when implementing AI projects, but few IT leaders are taking steps to ensure proper data quality and management, jeopardising the success of AI initiatives.
That’s according to a new global survey from Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) which also found that 51% Australian IT leaders see AI as a must have in their organisation compared to 35% globally. In addition, more than one-third (36) of Australian CEOs see AI as “a revolution” compared to 30% globally.
The Hitachi Vantara State of Data Infrastructure Survey reinforces the critical role that data infrastructure and data management can play in terms of overall data quality and the ability to drive positive AI outcomes. However, just 28% of Australian companies think AI is applicable to finding new business opportunities.
“Good project management and governance” was the most common reason provided for why AI projects were successful in Australia, with 47 of Australian respondents in agreement. At the same time, 35% of respondents cite the use of high-quality data as critical for AI project success.
The survey also found that AI has led to a dramatic increase in the amount of data storage that businesses require, with the amount of data expected to increase 137% by 2026. As a result, storing, managing and tagging data to ensure quality for use in AI models is getting harder.
The company commissioned the global survey of 1,200 C-level executives and IT decision-makers across 15 countries, including 75 from Australia. The survey found that most Australian businesses were focused on data security risks at the expense of data quality, sustainability and infrastructure management. Key Australia findings include:
George Dragatsis, ANZ Chief Technology Officer, Hitachi Vantara, said, “The survey makes it clear that during 2025, AI will stand out as both an opportunity and a challenge for Australian businesses. On one hand, it offers unprecedented possibilities for innovation and efficiency. AI-powered tools are enabling organisations to automate network design, optimise operations, and even generate software code. These advancements promise significant productivity gains and cost savings, particularly in areas such as predictive maintenance, customer support automation, and network optimisation.
“However, the rapid adoption of AI also introduces new vulnerabilities. Automated processes could inadvertently create flawed code, leaving networks exposed to exploitation. Consequently, businesses should be focusing on handling massive data sets in a way that prioritise data resiliency, business continuity and energy efficiency and balance the benefits of AI with rigorous oversight to ensure secure and reliable implementation. This includes deploying secure development practices, conducting extensive testing of AI-generated systems, and creating transparent accountability structures for AI-driven decisions.”
Having a Trusted Partner Can Help
Additionally, the survey reveals that as organisations advance AI initiatives, most IT leaders recognise the need for third-party support in critical areas, including:
Overall, 68% of Australian respondents cite using consulting external experts to successfully complete AI projects.
Nathan Knight, ANZ Managing Director, Hitachi Vantara, said, “Tapping into the experience of a strong partner can help Australian enterprises to make the right, and rightsized, investment decisions when it comes to setting up AI and data infrastructure. An experienced partner also knows its way around data preparation for AI use cases - including how to standardise formatting, how to cleanse the data, how to properly utilise it, and how to ensure that data that is fed into AI models remains protected and secured.”
For more information on how Hitachi Vantara is helping customers provide a data-driven approach to modern data infrastructure, please click here
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About Hitachi Vantara
Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonised society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.
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