FEATURE: AI INFRASTRUCTURE
Networking and connectivity have emerged as the top technology priorities for APAC organizations, with 43 % of leaders planning to increase investment over the next year. Yet 94 % of businesses admit their networks limit large-scale AI projects.
This prioritization of networking reflects a critical shift in perspective. APAC businesses understand that AI success depends on the ability to move data, connect systems, and deliver applications with speed and reliability. With 9 out of 10 companies in APAC seeing their networks as a limiting factor, organizations must embrace more dynamic and agile solutions. APAC has the ambition to lead in AI, but network infrastructure is the key to unlocking that potential.
The road ahead: Building AI-ready networks
As APAC accelerates its AI ambitions, network modernization will determine whether the region can translate aspiration into global leadership. Conscious decoupling provides a practical roadmap to escape the velocity trap, unlocking agility, resilience and efficiency.
CIOs must move beyond stopgap fixes and embrace network transformation as a strategic priority. Those who act today will unlock AI’ s potential across industries, from banking and healthcare to manufacturing and urban planning. Those who hesitate risk being left behind in the next wave of digital competition.
APAC’ s ambition to lead in AI is both admirable and achievable. But success hinges on making the right infrastructure choices now. The velocity trap is real – and so is the path to escape.
Additional IDC insights include:
• Financial impact: Half of surveyed companies face losses from outdated networks. Downtime in AI-driven systems translates into lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction and reputational harm.
• Outsourcing network expertise: With skilled talent scarce, APAC companies increasingly turn to managed service providers to modernize infrastructure.
• Sustainability: Network modernization contributes to APAC’ s sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints and supporting environmentally responsible practices. p
40 INTELLIGENTCIO APAC www. intelligentcio. com