Rehan Shahid, Regional Channel & Alliances Manager – Middle East & Pakistan at Hitachi Vantara, discussed with Sandhya D’Mello, Technology Editor at CPI Media Group, the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enterprise IT, particularly in the context of hybrid cloud adoption and sustainable infrastructure. As organisations navigate this complex landscape, Hitachi Vantara positions itself as a crucial ally, focused on transforming enterprise operations through innovative technology.
AI is a driving force behind the evolution of enterprise IT. Hitachi Vantara has long been a pioneer in this transition, having developed a comprehensive framework that encompasses various phases of AI development. Shahid outlined the company’s understanding of AI in three phases: Perception AI, which aids decision-making via data-driven insights; Generative AI, which empowers users to create content effortlessly; and the emerging Agentic AI, capable of taking autonomous actions. This progressive understanding marks a significant evolution in how IT operations can be optimised.
However, as businesses integrate AI, the challenge lies not only in technology but in meaningful engagement with it. Effective collaboration between humans and AI is essential, and it is this human-AI interaction that will define successful implementations. Hitachi Vantara offers a robust end-to-end AI solution that doesn’t merely provide infrastructure but also guides enterprises in defining their use cases and aligning projects with measurable returns on investment.
Sustainability is increasingly vital in enterprise IT infrastructure, especially as AI-driven data centres demand vast energy resources. With estimates suggesting that operating a single gigawatt AI data centre could cost upwards of $40 billion—and a projected need for 200 gigawatts, totalling an extraordinary $8 trillion—sustainable practices are no longer optional but urgent. Hitachi Vantara claims a leadership role in sustainability, boasting energy-efficient infrastructure recognised globally, including systems rated highly by ENERGY STAR and leading the Carbon Product Footprint (CPF) initiative. This commitment is particularly relevant for rapidly growing regions such as the Middle East and Pakistan, where digital transformation and AI adoption are on a steep rise.
Through innovative technologies that reduce energy consumption, Hitachi Vantara aims to support the ambitious sustainability goals set by enterprises in these regions. For instance, strategic partnerships and investments have driven sustainable practices, especially in managing significant digital projects that align with global climate targets.
As hybrid cloud becomes the dominant model for IT infrastructure, companies face myriad challenges in implementation. Identifying which workloads to keep on-premises versus those suitable for the public cloud is complex. For new adopters, understanding the architecture’s demands, costs, and compliance requirements can be daunting. Meanwhile, organisations already using cloud services may need to reassess their strategies due to increased costs. Hitachi Vantara’s approach simplifies this transition by providing a unified platform that facilitates the smooth migration of workloads between on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring that enterprises maintain control and efficiency simultaneously.
Looking towards the future, the landscape of IT infrastructure will be increasingly shaped by AI innovations. Potential developments in Agentic AI, which can autonomously manage tasks such as notifying users of scheduling changes, promise a new era of seamless operations. These AI agents will necessitate clear guidelines akin to human resources practices, adding a layer of responsibility for IT teams in managing these digital entities.
Hitachi Vantara is actively developing applications for Agentic AI across various sectors, including finance and healthcare, embedding these innovations within secure, scalable hybrid cloud infrastructures. By combining expertise in AI with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and cloud integration, the company is paving the way for a future where IT is not only intelligent but also adaptive and responsible.
The rapidly shifting landscape of enterprise IT, characterised by the intersection of AI, sustainability, and hybrid cloud strategies, presents both challenges and opportunities. With a clear vision and innovative solutions, Hitachi Vantara is positioned to lead organisations through this transformation, ensuring that technology serves the greater business and environmental goals of our time.
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Source: Noah Wire Services