EXPERT OPINION
Roadblocks to success
Frequently, companies leading significant
AI research and development do so
without important initial input from IT. As
a result, teams unfortunately produce
shadow AI – AI infrastructure created
under IT’s radar, which is challenging
to successfully operationalise and
ultimately unproductive. Companies
can avoid shadow AI by leading with
an infrastructure strategy specifically
optimised for AI.
The survey highlighted incalculable costs
as the top issue (21%). From the need for
new investment in people and equipment,
to unforeseen costs along the winding road
between AI design and deployment, to
rapid innovation and shifting of technology
needs, AI investment is potentially
massive and difficult to predict. Moreover,
internal disconnect between IT and AI
development can result in low ROI if the
company fails to deploy the technology.
The lack of in-house expert staff also
poses a significant challenge. Companies
typically need to bring on specialised
developers, which can be costly and
requires time for new staff to learn
the business to meet AI design with
organisational goals.
Inadequate IT equipment also blocks
companies from envisioning how AI
fits into their operation. According to
the survey, many worry their current
infrastructure is not optimised to support
AI and fear data centres have reached
full capacity.
Roadblocks at the strategy phase are
largely similar across industries but
DESIGNING AI
INFRASTRUCTURE
IS COMPLEX AND
OVERWHELMING
AND, AS A
RESULT, 76%
OF BUSINESSES
REGARD
INFRASTRUCTURE
AS AN OBSTACLE
TO AI SUCCESS.
www.intelligentdatacentres.com Issue 19
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