Low Readiness Levels a Concern
According to Cisco's recent research on the AI Readiness Index, low readiness levels regarding the actual infrastructure and networking gear required to handle large AI workloads are a concern. Only 7% of respondents reported high readiness in this area, while 54% acknowledged their infrastructure has limited or moderate scalability and flexibility to accommodate these increasing needs.
Data Center Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) in Short Supply
Systems are struggling to keep pace with accelerating AI development as 79% of respondents say they require further data center GPUs to support future AI workloads. Similarly, 78% of respondents lack confidence in the availability of computing resources for AI workloads.
Cisco CEO on Infrastructure Modernization
In Cisco's recent financial call, CEO Chuck Robbins noted that enterprise customers are taking on infrastructure modernization, even when unsure about what AI applications they may deploy. Customers are deciding where to run applications in the cloud and what infrastructure will need to be implemented to support AI.
More from the AI Readiness Index
Some other interesting findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index include:
- Cybersecurity issues become critical: The proportion of respondents with limited understanding of threats specific to machine learning has increased from 65% in 2023 to 67% this year.
- Companies feel less ready to manage data effectively for AI initiatives: Nearly a third (32%) of respondents report high readiness from a data perspective to adapt, deploy, and fully leverage AI technologies.
- A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge: Only 31% of organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI.
- Effective AI governance has become more difficult: When asked about the comprehensiveness of their organizations' AI policies and protocols, 31% of the organizations said they are highly comprehensive.
- Cultural readiness to embrace AI is declining: Boards have become less receptive to embracing the transformative power of AI, with 66% of them being highly or moderately receptive, down from 82% last year.
Conclusion
As AI continues to transform businesses, companies must prioritize infrastructure modernization to prepare for the increasing demands of AI workloads. The findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index highlight the importance of addressing cybersecurity issues, data management, talent availability, and cultural readiness to fully leverage AI.