Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide. As the technology advances, its adoption is increasing exponentially. Organizations everywhere are exploring how AI can drive business growth and deliver enhanced digital services.

This AI-driven transformation is happening alongside—and often because of—a steady rise in data generation. The expanding use of applications, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and AI tools is contributing to an unprecedented surge in data.

While AI adoption and data growth bring exciting opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability, they also introduce new challenges. Organizations must address increased power needs, demand for enhanced connectivity, evolving business models, and potential hardware upgrades. How can you navigate these challenges and turn them into opportunities? This article explores key considerations and actionable insights.

Adapting business models with AI insights

One of AI’s core strengths is its ability to analyze vast data sets, uncovering trends and unexpected correlations. These insights provide a deeper understanding of your operations, markets, and opportunities, often requiring adjustments to business models.

For instance, in the automotive industry, AI-driven systems influence driving behavior, requiring manufacturers to adapt designs and marketing strategies. In retail, AI can personalize the shopping experience, such as alerting customers to sales on their favorite products in real time.

Exclusive brands, like Swiss watchmakers or artisanal whiskey producers, may approach AI differently. They might limit its use to maintain a sense of craftsmanship and exclusivity. However, this decision could shift their target audience, as competitors leverage AI to produce similar-quality products at a lower cost. For these brands, the business model may evolve to emphasize emotional value and appeal to affluent customers.

Building sustainable AI ecosystems

The rise of AI and data growth comes with increased demand for power, computing resources, and storage. Organizations adopting AI must prioritize sustainability in their IT and data center strategies to align with environmental goals and regulations.

Sustainable data centers are critical to creating a greener IT landscape. Features such as water cooling, advanced air cooling, and residual heat reuse reduce environmental impact while optimizing performance. As green legislation continues to evolve, choosing a future-proof data center with sustainability at its core will be essential.

Evaluating your IT platform

A robust IT ecosystem is crucial to successfully adopting AI. This includes evaluating your hardware, connectivity, and expertise to ensure they can handle the performance, and storage demands of AI-driven workloads.

Investing in specialized AI hardware may be necessary, but recruiting and retaining experts in AI algorithms and data management is equally vital. These skills are in high demand, making partnerships and access to broader ecosystems valuable assets.

AI and business growth: connectivity is key

AI relies on vast amounts of data from diverse sources. To unlock its full potential, organizations need seamless, high-performance connectivity. In many cases, internal data centers cannot provide the required connectivity. Opting for colocation in a strategically located data center can address this gap, enabling organizations to scale efficiently and turn challenges into growth opportunities.

AI as a service: a practical starting point

As AI adoption grows, the hardware required for AI workloads is becoming more expensive and scarce. Many organizations are turning to AI as a Service (AIaaS) as an accessible, cost-effective solution. AIaaS allows businesses to test capabilities in the public cloud before committing to dedicated AI hardware, making it a practical starting point for most.

Responsible AI practices

Working with AI demands accountability. Organizations must demonstrate how their algorithms and data inform decisions to maintain transparency and trust. Proper version control of data and algorithms is essential to validate past decisions and avoid ethical or compliance issues.

Partnering with Digital Realty for AI success

AI and data growth are shaping the future, but implementing these technologies requires a clear strategy and the right infrastructure. Digital Realty’s data centers provide everything you need to scale AI initiatives, from industry-leading connectivity to advanced cooling technologies designed with sustainability in mind.

Our facilities are strategically located in connectivity hotspots and backed by a robust partner network to support your AI journey. With experience helping customers navigate AI adoption and data growth, we’ll guide you to avoid pitfalls and achieve your goals.

Learn more about AI in our AI hub.

Ready to unlock AI's potential?

Do you see AI transforming your business? Partner with Digital Realty to access the facilities and expertise you need to thrive. Contact us at +31 (0)20 880 77 00 or salesnl@digitalrealty.com.

AI research report: The current and future situation of the AI ​​industry in the Netherlands

AI research report: The current and future situation of the AI industry in the Netherlands