Latest news with #AIReadinessIndex
Bloomberg
20-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Businessweek: Nuke's Potential for AI
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: Maria Korsnick, CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, discusses the critical role nuclear power has in meeting the energy needs of AI. Jeetu Patel, Chief Product Officer at Cisco, shares the details of the company's AI Readiness Index: Are Companies Prepared to Effectively Implement AI. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.
TECHx
29-01-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025 - TECHx Media Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025
Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025 News Desk - Share Ahead of the highly anticipated LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco has unveiled the findings from its latest AI Readiness Index. The report reveals that 72% of organizations in Saudi Arabia (KSA) have developed a strategy to deploy AI-powered solutions, underscoring the growing importance of AI in business transformation. However, despite the rising urgency, businesses in KSA face challenges in adopting and fully leveraging AI amid rapid market changes and its anticipated impact on operations. The AI Readiness Index is based on a comprehensive survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 global markets, including KSA. The survey assesses AI readiness across six key pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Key Findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index: Urgency in AI Adoption AI has become a critical element of business strategy, with 98% of companies in KSA reporting an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. CEOs and leadership teams are driving the push, and 86% of organizations believe they have only 18 months to demonstrate AI's impact, with 60% giving themselves just 12 months. AI has become a critical element of business strategy, with 98% of companies in KSA reporting an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. CEOs and leadership teams are driving the push, and 86% of organizations believe they have only 18 months to demonstrate AI's impact, with 60% giving themselves just 12 months. Growing Investment in AI AI investments have surged in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of companies allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives. These investments focus primarily on IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). Companies aim to enhance system efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to increase their AI investment to more than 40% of their IT budgets over the next four to five years. AI investments have surged in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of companies allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives. These investments focus primarily on IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). Companies aim to enhance system efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to increase their AI investment to more than 40% of their IT budgets over the next four to five years. Infrastructure Gaps in AI Deployment While AI adoption accelerates, many organizations struggle with infrastructure preparedness. Only 31% have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and just 34% have the capabilities to secure AI models with comprehensive encryption and continuous monitoring. Improving IT infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and manageability ranks as the top priority for 62% of organizations in Saudi Arabia. While AI adoption accelerates, many organizations struggle with infrastructure preparedness. Only 31% have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and just 34% have the capabilities to secure AI models with comprehensive encryption and continuous monitoring. Improving IT infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and manageability ranks as the top priority for 62% of organizations in Saudi Arabia. Talent Shortages for AI Success The shortage of skilled talent remains a major obstacle. Only 46% of KSA organizations feel their workforce is fully ready to capitalize on AI's potential. Additionally, 39% report lacking the in-house expertise required for successful AI deployment. Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, commented: 'Saudi Arabia is leading the way in embracing AI as a key driver of digital transformation. The findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making in AI strategy and investment. Cisco remains committed to helping organizations harness the full potential of AI through innovative solutions and expert guidance.' He also emphasized Cisco's involvement at LEAP 2025, under the theme 'Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era,' aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Cisco's participation at LEAP 2025 will showcase AI-driven innovations, including solutions designed to modernize data centers, enhance workplace collaboration, and bolster digital resilience. Visitors can engage with Cisco's experts at Stand H1.F30 in the Big Tech Hall, where they will also have access to interactive demos, panel discussions, and strategic briefings.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco reveals local insights from its AI readiness index ahead of LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia
72% of organizations in KSA have a clear strategy to deploy AI powered solutions. Yet businesses are facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Organizations are investing heavily in AI, with 50% companies allocating 10-30% of their current IT budget to AI deployment, but returns are not yet meeting expectations. There is a relentless sense of urgency with 60% of companies saying they have a maximum of a year to get their AI strategies right or face potential negative impacts. Networks yet need to be equipped to meet AI workloads; 31% of companies in KSA report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Ahead of LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 72% of organizations in KSA have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in KSA face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI, amid the rapid market evolution and the significant impact AI is anticipated to have on business operations. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including KSA. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The AI readiness index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In KSA, nearly all (98%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (60%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Over the past year, AI has been a priority spend for organizations in Saudi Arabia, with 50% allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI projects. AI investments have focused on three strategic areas: IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve include improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and creating a better experience for customers and partners. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, 50% indicating that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. However, 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 31% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and nearly a third (34%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. In Saudi Arabia, 62% rated improving scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure as their top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 46% of KSA organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 39% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia commented: 'Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of embracing AI as a catalyst for digital transformation. The findings of Cisco's recent AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making, with clearly defined strategies and increasing investments in AI. At Cisco, we are committed to empowering organizations with cutting-edge technologies and expertise to realize the full potential of AI.' He added: 'Our participation at LEAP 2025 under the theme 'Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era', underscores our dedication to promoting innovation and collaboration in the country, in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.' This year, Cisco's participation at LEAP 2025 centres around connecting and protecting businesses in the AI Era. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts at Cisco's booth and explore innovative solutions designed to transform data centres to power AI workloads, modernize workplaces for seamless collaboration, and enhance digital resilience with advanced security and observability. Cisco will host interactive demonstrations, panel discussions, and strategic briefings with key stakeholders, showcasing real-world use cases and the latest technology innovations. Join us at Stand H1.F30 in Big Tech Hall for an in-depth look at how we enable organizations to thrive in the AI era. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco AI readiness index in the UAE
News Summary: 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions. Yet businesses are facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Organizations are investing heavily in AI, with almost half (47%) of companies allocating 10-30% of their current IT budget to AI deployment, but returns are not yet meeting expectations. There is a relentless sense of urgency with 64% of companies saying they have a maximum of a year to get their AI strategies right or face potential negative impacts. Networks yet need to be equipped to meet AI workloads; only 14% of companies in the UAE report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Cisco today announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in the UAE face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including UAE. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Cisco in Gulf and Levant, commented: "Our survey reveals that companies need to prioritize investments in infrastructure and talent to effectively navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Organizations in the region need to prepare their workforce, existing data centres and cloud strategies to meet the AI requirements and harness its full potential.' Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency: AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In UAE, nearly all (99%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (64%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Businesses in the UAE are accelerating efforts and increasing investments to overcome barriers and embrace AI-driven transformation. Notably, over a third (34%) of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, almost half (47%) of companies indicate that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. AI investments focus on three strategic areas: cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), as well as data management (34%), and data analysis (33%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve are improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and growing revenue and market share for the business. However, over 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 14% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and only a third (31%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. Positive developments are underway as companies acknowledge the necessity of enhancing their readiness to effectively leverage AI. In the UAE, 54% say improving the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure are top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in the UAE, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 37% of UAE organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 27% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Al Bawaba
28-01-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Cisco AI Readiness Index in the UAE: Strategies Outlined Amid Rising Urgency and Investment, Yet Deployment Challenges Persist
Cisco today announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in the UAE face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including UAE. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Cisco in Gulf and Levant, commented: "Our survey reveals that companies need to prioritize investments in infrastructure and talent to effectively navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Organizations in the region need to prepare their workforce, existing data centres and cloud strategies to meet the AI requirements and harness its full potential.' Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency: AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In UAE, nearly all (99%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (64%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Businesses in the UAE are accelerating efforts and increasing investments to overcome barriers and embrace AI-driven transformation. Notably, over a third (34%) of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, almost half (47%) of companies indicate that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. AI investments focus on three strategic areas: cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), as well as data management (34%), and data analysis (33%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve are improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and growing revenue and market share for the business. However, over 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 14% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and only a third (31%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. Positive developments are underway as companies acknowledge the necessity of enhancing their readiness to effectively leverage AI. In the UAE, 54% say improving the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure are top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in the UAE, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 37% of UAE organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 27% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment.
