NetApp’s latest report reveals that organisations in Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) are uniquely positioned to leverage AI thanks to their strong data management foundations. With 76% of A/NZ organisations optimising their data operations, the region stands out globally for its focus on governance, security, and strategic readiness rather than rapid adoption.
Data Preparedness Sets A/NZ Apart
While other regions have rushed to adopt AI technologies, A/NZ businesses have taken a measured approach. This focus has paid off, positioning them as global leaders in AI readiness. The report highlights how organisations in this region have built secure and unified data infrastructures that form the backbone of successful AI deployments.
Mark Fioretto, NetApp’s Area Vice President and Managing Director for A/NZ, noted the strategic advantage of this slower start:
“The relatively light tread of Australian & New Zealand organisations at the onset of the AI rush… bought more time to regulate the technology and streamline data pipelines to operate it effectively.”
This deliberate approach has already yielded results, with 81% of A/NZ organisations reporting a surge in AI adoption over the past year, moving from AI laggards to leaders.
A Defining Moment for AI
NetApp’s Chief Marketing Officer, Gabie Boko, sees 2025 as a pivotal year for AI, with businesses transitioning from small-scale experiments to fully scaling their AI capabilities. She pointed out the dual challenge of managing increasing data complexity while ensuring security and sustainability.
The report underscores the importance of intelligent data infrastructure, which integrates unified data storage to mitigate data silos. Globally, 79% of tech executives agree that data unification is critical to AI success.
Here’s what stands out from the findings:
- 76% of A/NZ organisations have optimised their data operations for AI.
- 81% of A/NZ tech leaders predict new security challenges as AI adoption increases.
- 40% of global executives expect unprecedented AI-related investments in 2025.
Balancing Productivity Gains with Risks
One of the report’s key insights is how A/NZ executives weigh AI’s productivity potential against its risks. Fioretto commented on the shift in perception, noting a significant increase in confidence around AI’s benefits. Yet, this optimism is tempered by concerns about security and sustainability.
Krish Vitaldevara, Senior Vice President at NetApp, highlighted that advanced analytics and AI require a secure, scalable, and sustainable approach to data management.
“Organisations leading in AI are those with unified and well-catalogued data, robust security measures, and clear strategies for data evolution.”
Sustainability: A Growing Concern
As AI adoption accelerates, its environmental impact is coming under scrutiny. The energy demands of AI operations could conflict with corporate sustainability goals. The report predicts changes to both corporate processes and government policies to address this challenge.
The sustainability implications of AI-driven data growth are a pressing issue, particularly for organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint. This challenge underscores the need for innovative approaches to energy-efficient AI solutions.
| Key Focus Areas for 2025 | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Management Investments | Significant funding expected for AI and data optimisation. |
| Security Concerns | 81% of A/NZ leaders foresee increased security challenges. |
| Sustainability in AI Operations | Balancing AI advancements with energy-efficient and sustainable practices. |
The Future of AI in A/NZ
The report paints a promising future for A/NZ organisations as they continue to leverage their data foundations for AI. With a focus on secure, unified, and sustainable data practices, these businesses are well-positioned to tackle the challenges and opportunities of AI in 2025 and beyond.
