Notably, implementing data platforms that specifically target AI-centric data management, such as Vertex and SageMaker, was a less common practice, with only 29.1 percent of companies reporting the use of solutions like this. This is likely because, rather than investing in AI platforms alone, businesses are opting for holistic data modernization strategies that can help not just with integrating data into AI-powered applications and tools, but also with enhancing data governance, security and scalability across the board, not just in the context of AI.
For the vast majority of businesses, investments like these paid off. Asked whether data modernization projects had left them in a better position to use data with AI tools and applications, 95.1 percent of organizations said they had.
Data modernization as the key to AI success
The core takeaway is clear: Building better data infrastructure is an essential step in taking full advantage of AI technology. A business can deploy all of the AI tools and services it wants. But without a modern data platform and management methodology capable of ensuring governance, quality and speed, it’s unlikely to achieve much value.
