Five key storage considerations for CIOs: Navigating the data-driven future

Five key storage considerations for CIOs: Navigating the data-driven future

Mohamed ElZomor, Senior Director, SPS, CEEMETA, Dell Technologies

We’re standing on the cusp of the AI revolution and businesses are all hoping to cash in on a

technology that could define a generation. However, the adoption of AI also presents one of the

biggest digital transformation challenges since the race to the cloud in the 2010s: managing the AI

data boom.

The good news is that many businesses are recognising the need for investment to do AI properly,

and re-allocating budgets accordingly. A recent study of IT decision makers with responsibility for

GenAI found that 76% are expecting to increase their IT spend to pursue AI projects. While this is a

step in the right direction, how businesses spend this uplift will separate the leaders from the laggards.

So, what should top the IT spend list for the AI-savvy CIO? The answer is Storage.

AI is a data-hungry and data-generating technology. This means that our old methods of storing data

need to evolve and grow around it. There is an increasing business need for storage strategies that

are built for the AI-generation, and those who act quickly will race ahead. CIOs will be key in

directing their organisation through these changing times, and the first challenge will be to get the

business on board for the journey.

Here are five areas CIOs should consider getting their storage transitions off on the right track.

1. What are your specific storage challenges?

At the outset of your journey, it’s essential to identify and address the roadblocks that may arise.

These include compliance issues, high storage costs, and the need for real-time analytics. By

recognising these hurdles, you can work with IT teams to design a storage platform that can

accommodate their current, and future, needs, while remining compliant with data regulations, giving

them a competitive edge.

2. Are you harnessing AI to optimise your storage?

AI and ML comes in all shapes and sizes, and some can be used early to pave the way for more

complex deployments, such as GenAI. For example, you could use AI to optimise your current

hardware for storage. Using AI solutions for existing hardware can identify areas for managing data,

ensuring its available, secure, and high performing. This approach will be important as the business

looks to introduce GenAI, as the ability to adapt and learn from data usage patterns will be crucial to

its smooth running.

3. Have you evaluated the right modality and business model for your outcomes?

While public cloud and on-premises cloud have been the de-facto storage solutions for businesses in

recent years, it’s important to note that some data is better stored close to where it is created and

consumed. This is true at both the edge and the datacentre. For example, in the manufacturing

industry, where edge computing can simplify data management to help improve production

operations, and modernise and scale across various locations.

Security is also a factor when considering storage modality. How much control is required versus

allowing access to data, and how much risk can one afford? Key considerations when thinking about

the best place for your data.

4. Is your data storage aligned with innovation?

Data is the lifeblood of any business, as the insights it delivers can drive industry innovation and

competitiveness. With the increasing value and volume of data, organisations are retaining more

information to improve customer loyalty and bring new services to the market. However, storing this

growing data set is challenging.

To keep hold of this valuable data, refreshing your technology to cope with the load is essential. It’s

also important that the desired outcome of data-driven insights for innovation is baked into to your

strategy at the outset.

5. Are you prepared for data privacy and security challenges?

Data breaches and privacy concerns are more prevalent than ever, with cyberattacks remaining the

leading disaster cited by 54% of organisations.

This indicates the need to develop a robust incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken

in the event of a data breach or security incident. Having a well-defined plan can minimise the impact

of a breach and ensure a swift and effective response.

As part of your technology refresh, ensure that your storage platform not only delivers on

performance but also excels in safeguarding your data. Collaborate with security experts, stay

updated on evolving threats, and proactively invest in security solutions that can adapt to the ever-

changing cybersecurity landscape. Data privacy and security are not optional; they are fundamental

to your business’s reputation and success.

As we look to the AI future ahead of us, businesses must ensure their hardware is giving them the

best possible foundation for success. By addressing data challenges, aligning data storage with

innovation, and preparing for data privacy and security challenges, CIOs can ensure a smoother

transition into this exciting new era.

Those who act quickly and invest wisely in their IT infrastructure will not only gain a competitive edge

but also lead the way in unlocking the full potential of AI and ML technologies, disrupting industries

and changing the way we live and work forever.