According to a PwC Research study, 66% of organisations plan to increase their cloud budget this year, underscoring the growing recognition of cloud technologies as a driver of success. Companies that have embraced cloud-powered transformation have witnessed a multitude of benefits, including improved decision-making processes, increased productivity and agility, enhanced cyber posture and resilience, cost savings, improved profitability, and enhanced customer experiences. However, barriers such as budget constraints, talent gaps, and the lack of effective measurement and leadership hinder organisations from achieving measurable value from cloud technologies.
To enable the successful delivery of cloud transformation initiatives, organisations are actively seeking to address skills gaps. This includes hiring or contracting individuals with the necessary expertise, upskilling their existing workforce, or leveraging outsourced/managed services to acquire the required skills and capabilities. A company’s focus areas for cloud transformation should encompass industry-specific technology solutions, generating new revenue from data, addressing the lack of cloud and data skills, and overcoming challenges related to AI innovation.
Cloud trends are rapidly evolving towards personalised user experiences, with AI emerging as the preferred choice for clients embarking on their cloud transformation journey. Additionally, other emerging technologies such as virtual reality, quantum computing, Internet of Things, advanced robotics, blockchain, and augmented reality are gaining traction. CEOs are prioritising the integration of AI into their operations, with 53% expecting it to improve their efficiency, and 42% already adopting AI across their companies.
Embracing the benefits of cloud and AI technologies is crucial for organisations to stay competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape. It is essential to foster adaptability, openness to collaboration, and a mindset of constant change to navigate the evolving landscape successfully. By participating in the survey mentioned in the report, readers can actively contribute to shaping the future of AI adoption and ensure that their organisations remain at the forefront of innovation and transformation.