TLDR: A recent IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by NTT DATA and Cisco, highlights that 78% of enterprises consider networking capabilities crucial for their Generative AI (GenAI) deployments. The report underscores the critical role of network readiness in achieving AI-driven digital transformation, addressing challenges like security, skill gaps, and legacy infrastructure to unlock AI’s full potential and significant economic impact.
A new IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by NTT DATA and Cisco, reveals that a significant majority of enterprises—78%—are prioritizing robust networking capabilities as a critical factor for successful Generative AI (GenAI) deployments. This finding, based on IDC’s AI and Networking Survey 2024 (N = 1,209), underscores a pivotal shift towards integrating advanced networking as a strategic asset in the era of AI-driven digital transformation.
The report emphasizes that AI is fundamentally reshaping network management by enabling advanced automation, enhancing security, and optimizing performance. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that harnessing AI within their networks can significantly enhance operational capabilities, foster innovation, improve competitive positioning, and accelerate business growth.
Key AI-driven networking capabilities highlighted in the report include advanced monitoring, automated configuration, anomaly detection, and self-healing mechanisms. These features are crucial for enhancing network resiliency and responsiveness, delivering tangible business benefits across various sectors.
Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and banking and financial services are already integrating AI into their network functions. Manufacturing firms are expected to substantially increase AI integration for operational efficiency, while healthcare organizations are leveraging AI for secure and reliable connectivity for critical medical applications. Financial institutions are prioritizing AI for network security and automation to enhance transaction safety and reduce operational costs.
However, the path to AI readiness is not without its challenges. The IDC research identifies network security vulnerabilities, skill gaps, and legacy infrastructure as top concerns blocking GenAI adoption. Enterprises are also wary of high costs and are seeking more flexible consumption models for AI solutions that align with dynamic demand and spending priorities.
For successful GenAI integration, high-speed, low-latency connectivity, edge computing integration, and cloud-to-edge data pipelines are deemed essential. Furthermore, when selecting networking partners for GenAI deployment, 33% of enterprises prioritize access to expert staff with deep experience in matching networks to GenAI workloads. This expertise is particularly valued in manufacturing, retail, and government/education sectors.
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With AI promising a staggering $19.4 trillion in global economic impact by 2030, the report serves as a strategic playbook for CIOs, guiding them on how to transform networking from a potential bottleneck into a significant advantage for AI transformation. The message is clear: network readiness will make or break an organization’s AI journey, necessitating upgrades and partnerships with providers offering AI-enabled network solutions to maximize the value of generative and agentic AI without network constraints.
