African ICT company Datacentrix has released a new trends piece examining how cloud computing, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are converging to redefine the digital enterprise landscape. With cloud technology now integral to modern business operations, its true potential is realized only when it is paired with data and AI capabilities, according to Jaap Scholten, Head of Group Hybrid ICT Strategy at Datacentrix and COO at eNetworks, a wholly owned subsidiary and Internet Service Provider.
“The cloud is often the unsung hero – quietly enabling data, the raw material from which intelligence is forged,” Scholten explained. He notes that cloud adoption is frequently viewed as a mere tick-box exercise, primarily focused on migrating applications from on-premises to cloud environments. However, he emphasizes that the real opportunity lies in transformation, driven by data.
“If cloud is the behind-the-scenes champion, then data is the golden thread weaving intelligence throughout the enterprise,” Scholten said. He pointed out that the effectiveness of AI is directly proportional to the quality of the data it processes, and the cloud serves as the ecosystem where this data converges. By integrating both structured and unstructured data from across the organization, companies can unlock richer insights and drive better decision-making.
For AI to provide enterprise-grade value, it requires an infrastructure capable of managing unpredictable workloads and large data volumes, along with complex integrations. Scholten remarked, “Unfortunately, traditional IT infrastructures can limit the speed, volume, and flexibility required to make AI impactful.” He advocates for a cloud-native architecture that offers the elasticity and continuous data flow necessary for AI to function effectively across the organization, enabling real-time detection of anomalies, trends, and opportunities.
While technology lays the groundwork, Scholten warns that the true value of cloud-enabled AI is reflected not in the tools themselves but in the tangible business outcomes they facilitate. Despite the vast potential offered by the combination of cloud and AI, success is not guaranteed. Organizations must address several practical and strategic challenges to realize meaningful value, including the need for reliable connectivity, the safeguarding of data, managing cultural shifts, and demonstrating clear return on investment (ROI).
“These hurdles require deliberate planning and execution,” Scholten stated. “Only by tackling them head-on can businesses turn cloud-native AI into a sustainable competitive advantage.” He suggests that by aligning scalable cloud infrastructure with intelligent AI capabilities and fostering a strong data-driven culture, organizations can achieve new levels of agility, innovation, and resilience.
“Many companies might wonder where to start,” Scholten advised. “The first step is a strong data strategy. Piloting AI use cases early and embedding governance throughout the cloud are also essential. Addressing challenges upfront ensures the transformation remains both secure and sustainable.” He concluded with a clear message: “Organizations that embrace cloud-native AI today will define the competitive edge of tomorrow.”
Datacentrix stands as a prominent systems integrator and managed services provider across Africa and the Middle East, offering a mature portfolio that includes intelligent hybrid cloud solutions, security services, data management, and resource augmentation.
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