Seagate finds 'AI is increasing the value of data' but warns that 43% of businesses lack proper data storage infrastructure — 99% expect AI storage (and storage costs) to explode (www.techradar.com)

A recent Seagate study emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly increasing data storage demands across businesses, with 99% of organizations forecasting higher storage requirements within three years. However, only 38% feel fully equipped to meet these demands, highlighting that inadequate data storage infrastructure is one of the main barriers to successful AI deployment. The survey, which included over 2,700 technology decision-makers, revealed that 86% of respondents reported moderate to significant benefits from AI investments, underscoring the critical need to retain data that can enhance future AI models and applications. The implications are profound: as companies anticipate storage needs to grow by at least 26%, with a third expecting a rise of over 50%, the urgency for robust storage solutions increases. Notably, 98% of respondents view storage as a strategic component rather than merely an administrative function, emphasizing the interconnectedness of storage architecture, durability, and energy efficiency in AI operations. Furthermore, sustainability concerns are affecting infrastructure expansion, with many organizations delaying growth plans to address environmental impacts. This evolving landscape necessitates a reevaluation of storage strategies to accommodate the growing demands of data-intensive AI systems.