The Indian IT industry finds itself at a crossroads, where the imperative for infrastructure modernization is paramount to sustain global competitiveness. In a constantly shifting technological landscape, outdated systems impede agility and hinder innovation. The modernization of IT infrastructure becomes an urgent necessity to accommodate surging data volumes, fortify cybersecurity measures, and bolster scalability. In a conversation with Hemant Tiwari, Managing Director-India, Hitachi Vantara, we delved into India's rapidly growing digital ecosystem and the escalating demand for IT infrastructure modernization.
The State of IT Infrastructure Among Large Organizations Today
The current IT landscape in organizations is marked by a profound shift towards digitalization and cloud-centric operations. By aligning their IT infrastructure with the demands of the digital age, businesses can not only meet their current challenges but also position themselves for sustained success in the future. Commenting about the current IT infrastructure of organizations, Hemant Tiwari, Managing Director-India, Hitachi Vantara said, “There are several pressing challenges in large organisations, especially in data management. With storage needs projected to exceed 60 petabytes in the next two years, leaders are grappling with the challenges of scaling smoothly without causing user inconvenience. Also, the preference for hybrid cloud solutions among decision-makers stems from data security concerns and the challenges of managing data across various platforms.”
He further added, “Among the key challenges faced by organizations, data overload and the accumulation of dark data stand out. According to our Data Infrastructure Dynamics Report, approximately 75% of surveyed organizations admit to storing every piece of data collected, resulting in a significant accumulation of dark data, incurring substantial costs annually. Identifying and utilizing data presents another hurdle, with IT leaders estimating up to 17 petabytes of dark data. However, a quarter of them report that their users remain unaware of existing data, a situation exacerbated in sectors like retail and technology. Accessibility issues further compound the problem, with 80% of organizations reporting user struggles to access needed data. Fragmented data infrastructure is common, with 29% of organizations having data available in only one system, limiting accessibility for a significant user base.”
“Organisations are increasingly seeking external expertise, with 34 per cent of the decision-makers expressing the need for third-party assistance in data integration, particularly in cybersecurity. Organisations must tackle data challenges both internally and through strategic external partnerships to unlock the full potential of their data and drive digital innovation and transformation,” he said.
Key Verticals Seeking Urgent IT Infrastructure Upgrade
Today amidst the digital transformation wave, organizations are facing several challenges on IT front. Adoption of next-gen technologies compelling organizations to upgrade their IT infrastructure. With new technologies making a paradigm shift in the digital age, organizations are pushing their boundaries at a big scale to modernize their infrastructure. Commenting on this aspect, he said, “The need for IT infrastructure upgrades transcends specific industries. Digital transformation is a complex, continuous journey, integrating new technologies, processes and business models to drive innovation and improve business results. Enterprises dealing with substantial data, including those in the BFSI and healthcare sectors need to upgrade their IT infrastructure. Financial organisations must adhere to numerous banking regulations and integrate a compliance-by-design approach.”
He further added, “When executed effectively, this approach can empower companies to gain a competitive edge through innovative data management strategies, enabling quicker delivery of technology projects while maintaining accessible yet secure data-driven insights. With the AI revolution happening globally, the AI centres of excellence will provide exciting opportunities for cutting-edge innovations to be deployed across important sectors, such as healthcare and sustainable cities, while providing new employment opportunities.”
Challenges Faced by CTOs/CIOs in Technology Adoption
In the realm of digital transformation, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) encounter a multitude of challenges when adopting new technologies. They must grapple with the fast-paced nature of technological evolution, requiring constant adaptation and strategic planning. While talking about this aspect, he said, “CTOs/CIOs introducing new technologies like cloud computing, edge computing and AI face multifaceted challenges. Managing and dissecting large volumes of data from various sources is challenging The surge in data is further compounded by emerging technologies, such as generative AI, which places a strain on the existing cloud infrastructure. Also, decision-makers are increasingly prioritising hybrid cloud solutions. It is due to their apprehensions about security and the complexities of data management across diverse platforms. Ensuring suitable hybrid cloud infrastructure is paramount.”
He further stated, “Challenges persist in data governance, protection and intelligence, which are crucial for digital transformation. These include: Productising AI Models: Building AI models is common, but optimising them for production remains a significant challenge, potentially hindering AI initiatives.
· Data Quality and Preparation: Cleaning and preprocessing source data is resource-intensive, yet vital for effective use in AI models.
· Data Infrastructure Suitability: AI demands efficient data access, often surpassing traditional block storage systems. Adaptation to AI workload requirements may be necessary.
· Selecting the Right Storage Technology: AI relies on vast data volumes, necessitating storage systems with scalability and robust data access support.
· Software-defined Storage Adoption: This technology provides flexibility and scalability, reducing manual maintenance efforts, ensuring consistent AI model performance.
Support to Organizations in Scaling Their IT Infrastructure
“Hitachi Vantara delivers cloud-ready infrastructure and advanced cloud operations services, jumpstarting customers' cloud journeys while enhancing efficiency, performance and resilience for businesses. Our seamlessly integrated solutions and services empower organisations to efficiently manage distributed workloads across private, public and hybrid clouds. Also, we provide autonomous cloud operations services to streamline and automate infrastructure and operations. Hitachi Vantara is poised to not only address new and emerging customer challenges but also to explore new markets, innovate and expand opportunities. Our comprehensive solution portfolio and tailored programmes are designed to support our partners in achieving success in today's dynamic business landscape. Overall, these industry-specific solutions are meticulously designed to aid in the expansion of IT infrastructure, enhance data management capabilities and extract actionable insights for businesses in various sectors,” he concluded.
