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In the current UK context , where Digital Transformation is a key focus for many organisations , the scalability and adaptability of hybrid cloud infrastructure supports long-term growth in a controlled environment .

AI innovation will require effective cloud infrastructure

In the last 12 – 18 months , cloud strategies have also been subject to a major new transformation trend – the growth of AI . Many businesses are anticipating significant changes in the way they operate , with potential benefits ranging from efficiency gains to creating custom customer experiences and the development of new products . Clearly , organisations will lean heavily on their cloud infrastructure and service providers to ensure any investment in AI can be properly supported .

Effective infrastructure planning and implementation will play a key role . The early adoption phase of cloud technology , characterised by unrealistic expectations and under-planned deployments , offers a cautionary tale for the way organisations choose to approach the implementation of AI . In doing so , they should prioritise issues such as data management and governance , as the success of AI applications fundamentally depends on the quality , structure and security of the underlying data .

In this context , a hybrid approach is likely to offer the best balance of performance and cost that AI-powered applications require . For example , AI ’ s heavy reliance on GPU processing power is more readily available from the hyperscalers , who have the resources to offer AI-ready compute services that can be integrated with private workloads . Similarly , the ‘ as-a-Service ’ model can also help deliver the levels of security organisations require without the need to establish the necessary protocols , access controls and authentication required within their own infrastructure . Here , the benefits are significant and range from preventing security breaches and data exfiltration to enabling users to remain compliant with compliance regulations , including those relevant to the process of building or training AI models .

Looking further ahead , the cloud strategies of organisations everywhere will continue to evolve , driven by a dynamic range of factors and the constant influence of tech innovation . Across a huge range of current and emerging use cases , adopting a workloadcentric strategy will play a crucial role in ensuring IT leaders can deliver the flexibility , control and positive impact that have driven the entire cloud revolution . p

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