The Data Complexity Report 2023 published by NetApp earlier this year highlights the need for a unified approach to hybrid multi-cloud architectures and continued innovation in all-flash storage and cloud storage to enable the adoption of AI. NetApp partnered with Wakefield Research to conduct quantitative research from September 29 to October 5, 2023, among 1,000 C-Level, tech and enterprise data executives. Six markets were examined: United States, EMEA (France, Germany, United Kingdom) and APAC (India, Japan).
How to respond to the needs of companies
Davide Marini, Country Manager Italy of NetApp
Businesses are facing a technological landscape complex, with security risks and pressure to keep up with emerging technologies such as AI, while reducing environmental impact. The Data Complexity Report highlights that amidst this complexity, innovative cloud-enabled Flash storage solutions are needed to address evolving AI needs, improve efficiency, and strengthen resilience against growing cyber threats within the data ecosystem.
NetApp and cloud adoption
According to the report, for many companies the transition to the cloud was not a linear journey. Three out of four technology executives who plan to move workloads to the cloud currently still have the majority of them on-premises. However, AI adoption is the primary driver of cloud transition, and cloud is a major driver of AI adoption. 74% of respondents said they use public cloud services for AI and analytics. Global technology executives (39%) say their top need for Flash innovation is to optimize the performance, cost and efficiency of AI.
Sunified data torage
Businesses continue to embrace AI, with 72% of respondents already using generative AI and 74% leveraging AI and analytics services offered by public cloud providers. However, implementing AI comes with a number of challenges complex. According to the study, data security (57%), data integration (50%) and skills gap (45%) continue to represent barriers. Meanwhile, IT leaders continue to call for more funding. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of AI budgets come from new funding rather than budget reallocations. While 65% of CXOs and IT leaders plan to involve new vendors as the importance of AI within their infrastructure increases.
Data security issues
In the age of AI, security threats continue to be acute among C-level executives and IT leaders. According to the report, 87% of CXOs and board members listed ransomware as a high or top priority, while more than half (55%) said ransomware mitigation of ransomware attacks is your company’s top priority. 40% ranked data security and privacy threats among the top causes of complexity in their storage infrastructure. Furthermore, 48% of respondents predicted that their company will take days or weeks to recover from cyberattacks, posing a potentially devastating for your business.
More guarantees for data recovery
Roberto Patano, Senior Manager Systems Engineering di NetApp
Cyberattacks are happening intensifying. And executives and board members recognize the critical need to protect against these attacks and be prepared to recover from ransomware if successful. While protection against ransomware requires a cyber-resilient full-stack architecture, leaders are increasingly seeking those providers storage that can offer guarantees for data recovery after a ransomware attack.
Sustainability among the main concerns
The reduction environmental impact is no longer just a secondary aspect, but is influencing companies’ key technological decisions. According to the study, 83% of respondents cited sustainability as an important decision factor when choosing storage system vendors. Additionally, more than half (50%) recognize that reducing energy and carbon footprints is critical to responsible AI, while 84% agree that reducing their company’s carbon footprint is an important part of sustainability initiatives.
NetApp – Data security and privacy among the priorities
Looking to the future of Flash storage, theimpact of artificial intelligence on purchasing decisions and innovation expectations is undeniable. According to the study, 39% of respondents want Flash storage solutions that optimize AI performance. Data security and privacy are also a focus when it comes to storage innovation. 61% of technology executives cited data security or privacy as a top area where they want to see innovations in design of Flash storage over the next three years.
NetApp, the need for unified data storage is growing
Sustainability was a third area of expected innovation. Hence the demand for more energy-efficient hardware and software, and automated recommendations for reducing energy and CO2 emissions top the list.
Davide Marini, Country Manager Italy of NetApp
Modern workloads require Flash storage designed for guarantee speed, scalability, security and sustainability. More than ever, we must prepare for an environment that seamlessly integrates with artificial intelligence, requiring technology leaders to drive innovation and redefine the approach.