Cloud Maturity Gap Threatens AI Realization
New research from NTT DATA indicates that organizations are struggling to fully capitalize on their cloud investments, even as artificial intelligence initiatives accelerate. The report, “Cloud-led innovation in the era of AI: The new rules for driving value with cloud,” found that only 14% of enterprises have achieved the highest level of cloud maturity after nearly two decades of adoption.
The Challenge of Realizing Cloud Value
The NTT DATA study surveyed hundreds of IT leaders across various industries and geographies. Key findings include:
- Just 14% reached the highest cloud maturity level (defined as fully optimized, automated, and integrated)
- Over half (53%) are at a basic or intermediate stage
- Common barriers include lack of skills, integration challenges, and unclear ROI
Implications for AI Initiatives
The disconnect between cloud investment and realized value poses a significant risk to organizations pursuing AI strategies. Without a mature cloud foundation, companies may struggle to:
- Deploy and manage complex AI workloads
- Integrate AI insights across business processes
- Scale AI applications effectively
“Organizations need to view cloud as more than just infrastructure,” said NTT DATA’s global CTO. “It’s a strategic platform that enables agility, innovation, and the realization of new capabilities like AI.”
The report suggests enterprises should focus on:
- Developing clear business outcomes for cloud investments
- Building cross-functional teams with the right skills
- Prioritizing integration and automation
- Measuring value beyond cost savings