As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and capture the spotlight, the real concern for many CIOs and IT leaders lies in the marriage of networking and security. A recent survey by Extreme Networks highlights a vital shift in focus among IT executives.
Conducted between July and August 2024, the survey involved 200 CIOs from various sectors, revealing their top priorities for the latter half of the year. Topping the list is securing their enterprise networks, followed by weaving together networking and security measures, and finally, exploring AI implementation.
Network Bandwidth: A Challenge for AI
Interestingly, a significant 34% of CIOs identified network security as their prime concern, with an additional 22% focusing on the integration of network and security solutions. Furthermore, 57% of respondents acknowledged that protecting their networks from threats presented one of their top three challenges.
When it comes to vendor selection for networking, a strong 55% highlighted built-in security as a critical requirement. This underscores the belief among 96% of participants that a solid network forms the backbone of a reliable cybersecurity and risk management strategy—highlighting that simple add-on security measures won’t cut it anymore.
Despite prioritizing AI, many organizations face hurdles such as network bandwidth limitations, lack of employee training, and pressing security concerns. A notable 84% are integrating AI within their tech frameworks, yet 40% express concerns about data security amidst these integrations. Network issues have proven challenging during AI rollouts, with nearly half of the respondents (49%) experiencing bandwidth constraints. Additionally, 30% felt they didn’t receive sufficient training support for their staff.
Moreover, about 32% reported not seeing tangible returns on investment from their AI initiatives, raising questions about the effectiveness of these tech transformations.
With a significant shift towards cloud networking, 36% of survey participants listed a smooth transition to cloud-based solutions as a top priority. The growing trend of platformization also reflects a need for unified, scalable solutions capable of integrating multiple components into a single, user-friendly interface. It’s clear that CIOs are keen on having an all-in-one platform for integrating generative AI with their security measures.
Emphasis on Sustainable Practices
An impressive 88% of CIOs favor an integrated platform that combines networking, AI, and security. Furthermore, 86% indicate plans for network upgrades within the next 18 months, with a strong inclination towards adopting cloud solutions that support both AI and emerging technologies.
A substantial 55% underline the necessity for integration from a wide ecosystem of network and security tools, reflecting a robust demand for consolidated platforms. In terms of preferred features for cloud networking, 58% want platforms that seamlessly incorporate AI and security, with 55% favoring a Network Infrastructure as a Service (NIaaS) model.
The surge of AI, the Internet of Things, and hybrid work models have added layers of responsibility for IT teams, increasing the need for straightforward management solutions. A significant portion (58%) cited the management and security of newly added devices as a top complexity, while 50% underscored the growing IT responsibilities.
Additionally, 52% pointed to the challenge of ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies. As industries strive for sustainability, IT departments are playing a pivotal role, with 88% agreeing it’s their job to recommend technologies that help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, 82% have sustainability initiatives linked to IT goals.
“In today’s tech landscape, where AI, security, and networking intersect, CIOs face a pressing call to action: they must invest in solutions that unify components and capabilities,” said Nabil Bukhari, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Extreme Networks. “Organizations that leverage their network as a cornerstone of their platform strategy can unlock AI and security’s potential to deliver unprecedented value across their operations.”
With these insights, it’s evident that the interplay between AI and network security will be crucial as we move forward. A unified approach not only simplifies management but also enhances effectiveness in tackling the challenges that lie ahead.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
