Cloud-Driven Innovation

A year has passed since I last visualized the cloud provider landscape, and the changes are striking.  While each provider's strengths remain consistent, several key trends have reshaped the ecosystem: • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗺:  Organizations are increasingly moving away from single-provider reliance, adopting multi-cloud strategies to optimize spending, avoid vendor lock-in, and leverage best-in-breed services from various platforms. • 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀:  Sustainability is no longer optional.  Major cloud providers are doubling down on renewable energy and providing tools for customers to monitor and reduce their environmental impact. • 𝗔𝗜/𝗠𝗟 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:  The accessibility of artificial intelligence and machine learning has exploded.  Providers are offering increasingly user-friendly tools, empowering businesses of all sizes to harness the power of AI. • 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲:  Edge computing is transforming industries. Platforms like Azure Arc, AWS Outposts, and Google Anthos are evolving rapidly, enabling innovation in areas like IoT and real-time data processing. • 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Serverless computing continues its ascent, abstracting away infrastructure complexities and allowing developers to focus on code.  Recent advancements have focused on improved tooling and broader functionality. • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱: Interestingly, alongside cloud adoption, some companies are also exploring "reverse cloud," moving certain workloads back on-premise.  This often reflects a focus on cost optimization for specific applications or data governance requirements. The ideal cloud solution remains dependent on individual business requirements.  Regularly evaluating your cloud strategy is essential to ensure it aligns with your evolving needs. What significant shifts have you noticed in the cloud landscape lately? I'm interested in hearing your insights.

I am incredibly proud to be one of the female voices representing technology in Saudi Arabia and to share my insights on digital transformation with the key banks driving this change. We explored opportunities to modernise core infrastructure through Cloud Transformation, API-driven architectures, and embracing the Open Banking framework (driven by SAMA to allow banks to securely share customer data with fintechs). Cloud has always been close to my heart — from my work across the UK and Europe, to now helping drive transformation in KSA. It’s a key enabler for the next wave of innovation - key for Vision 2030 - from AI-driven solutions today to the future potential of Quantum Computing (which we also discussed in our session). But Cloud transformation isn’t just about technology — it’s about people and culture. Cloud transformation involves a diverse set of stakeholders across business and technology teams. Culture plays a pivotal role, and strong leadership is super key to set the tone for adopting Cloud in a way that truly accelerates the long-term business strategy. Ultimately, successful Cloud transformation is not just about migrating systems — it’s about migrating mindsets. It’s about leaders enabling a culture that embraces new ways of working, collaboration across business, risk & technology stakeholders, and continuous growth —  helping shape a resilient and safe future for banking in Saudi Arabia.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much the conversation around Cloud and AI has changed. When I first started leading cloud programs, the focus was on scale and speed — could we handle global traffic, keep costs in check, and modernize decades of legacy? Fast forward a few years, and the conversation in the boardroom has shifted. Now it’s: how do we make the enterprise adaptive, intelligent, and self-optimizing? That’s where AI and Cloud converge. AI needs elastic, cloud-native platforms to scale. And cloud, in turn, is becoming smarter because of AI — think automated cost controls, predictive scaling, and platforms that fix themselves before customers even notice. I’ve seen firsthand the outcomes when we treat them as one strategy: hundreds of millions in new revenue, double-digit cost optimization, and faster innovation cycles. More importantly, teams are freed up to innovate instead of firefight. It feels like we’re moving toward a new enterprise operating system — one where intelligence and infrastructure are inseparable. Some companies are leaning in, others are hesitating. That gap is going to define the next decade of growth. Curious to hear — where’s your organization today? Still exploring, or already building toward this future? #AI #Cloud #Leadership #DigitalTransformation Lunch Time Post - Food for thought 😊

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀     The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and the need for faster, more efficient chip design. At Synopsys Inc, we're at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cloud-based virtual prototypes to accelerate development cycles.   In our latest blog authored by Gunnar Braun and Stewart W., we explore how cloud technology is revolutionizing chip design for SDVs, enabling:   - Early software development before hardware is available - Scalable and flexible collaboration across global teams - Faster time-to-market with reduced costs   As vehicles become increasingly software-centric, the ability to innovate quickly and efficiently is more critical than ever. Cloud-based virtual prototypes are empowering engineers to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring the future of mobility is smarter, safer, and more connected.   Read the full blog to learn how Synopsys is driving the future of chip design: https://lnkd.in/eD7VKJZM

Financial Services Innovators Are Data-Driven, Cloud-Focused, and Customer-Centric Across Their Value Chains 💡 Banking and insurance cloud innovators are: 👨💻 Data-driven: 🔹 FS cloud Innovators actively use data to support their sales and marketing functions by recommending relevant products to their customers through targeted marketing campaigns. During customer onboarding, innovators use AI to process structured and unstructured data they obtain from their customers and maintain it in a database for future reference, enabling a seamless onboarding process. 🔹 On the banking side, innovators actively use data to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions, calculate customer credit scores to evaluate potential risks, streamline the process of loan approvals, and estimate the probability of loan defaults. 🔹 On the insurance side, innovators integrate traditional and third-party data for the underwriting process to help price policies better. Insurance innovators also actively leverage data during claims process to automate claims triage, identify fraudulent claims, and estimate damage value. ☁️ Cloud-focused: 🔹 They actively leverage APIs to facilitate collaboration between different teams during product development to identifyand integrate best practices. 🔹 Innovators actively use intelligent cloud-based CRM systems to manage customer data and effectively support their various business functions. They also use cloud-based systems to automate the customer onboarding process. 🔹 FS cloud innovators drive contact center modernization with the help of the cloud to enable faster resolution of issues and enhance upsell and cross-sell opportunities. 🙋♂️ Customer-centric: 🔹 Furthermore, cloud innovators have optimized KYC processes for onboarding to ensure that their customers have a seamless experience. 🔹 These innovators provide their customers with an omnichannel experience, ensuring they have straightforward and instantaneous access to their services. They offer their customers comprehensive, personalized financial advisory services in addition to their standard products and services. 🔹 Finally, these organizations leverage intelligent chatbots to assist their customers with the challenges they face during their financial journey. Gen AI helps innovators manage data, re-engineer processes, make realtime automated decisions, and drive simulations to delight customers. Some critical uses of generative AI across the value chain include market forecasting, tailored content marketing, personalized credit analysis in banking and premium calculations in insurance, fraud prevention and management, and intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants. Source: Capgemini - https://t.ly/A5cZC #Innovation #Fintech #Banking #OpenBanking #API #FinancialServices #Payments #Loans #Compliance #AI #Data #Cloud #GenAI

Check out my latest article in the Enterprise Tech Trends series that explores how cloud technology is revolutionizing businesses of all sizes. Drawing on experience implementing cloud solutions (and let's be real: both what went right and what went wrong), I've identified some key takeaways for organizations looking to scale and thrive in today's dynamic environment: - Cloud technology has become the foundation of business strategy. The key is understanding how quickly organizations can harness its potential to unlock growth. - Successful cloud journeys depend on three core elements: rapid migration, efficient adoption of new features, and strategic AI integration. - Cloud transcends traditional operational boundaries. We use it to connect our sales and delivery teams, ensuring projects are set up for success from the start. - For manufacturers and distributors, cloud is essential. It minimizes downtime, allows for real-time decision-making, and facilitates the shift towards new business models like servitization. - To ensure a smooth cloud migration, focus on: clear expectations, strategic data management, a holistic cloud strategy, and a solid change management plan. - Enterprise leaders must find the balance between rapid innovation and robust governance in the cloud. The cloud is merely the starting point. True innovation lies in what you build upon it. #EnterpriseTechTrends #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #AI #Argano

🔍 Are you cloud-aware… or cloud-evolved? Over the past decade, cloud transformed how we do business — from cutting costs to speeding up application delivery. But we’re now entering a watershed moment: the Intelligence Phase, where cloud + agentic AI unlocks entirely new ways to innovate. At NTT DATA, Inc., we’re seeing real, measurable gains (30-40% productivity improvements when AI is embedded in engineering workflows). We’re helping clients reimagine experiences, automate complex workflows, and launch business models that weren’t possible before. Key shifts we’re focusing on: ➡️ Embedding AI agents into business apps (CRM, ERP, supply chain) to not just support but evolve decision-making in real time. ➡️ Modernizing by design: cloud-native platforms, microservices, strong data governance to enable adaptability & resilience. ➡️ Growing the human side: upskilling, governance, reliability (AIOps, SRE) so that agents assist, not replace. ➡️ Reinventing customer engagement — think virtual concierges, personalized recommendation engines, intelligent assistants. In North America, this means rethinking how we go to market: solution bundles that combine cloud modernization + AI-native design; showcasing agentic AI case studies; doubling down on secure, sovereign/cloud hybrid architectures; partnering with hyperscalers and startups; investing deeply in talent and trust. I believe CIOs (and their senior teams) who lead this shift—from seeing cloud as utility to seeing it as innovation engine—will define competitive advantage for the next 3-5 years. Curious: have you experienced being cloud-evolved yet? What’s the biggest blocker — culture, tech debt, data quality, skills, regulation? Let’s discuss. Read More here the position written by Rishi Kulkarni: https://lnkd.in/gNp4BRvA #Cloud #AI #AgenticAI #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #NTTDATA #Leadership #Transformation #Intelligence #AIEra cc: Rishi Kulkarni, Amy Krofssik, Oliver Lash-Williams

Manufacturers today are navigating an extraordinary level of complexity. From labor shortages and supply chain disruptions to rising energy costs and geopolitical volatility. Nearly 90% have reported significant manufacturing or supply chain disruptions in the past two years. To meet the moment, leading companies are embracing the cloud not just as a technology shift, but as a complete transformation in how they operate. With cloud-enabled insights, they break down data silos, increase agility and resilience, and improve decision-making across global environments. They’re also deploying machine learning to streamline processes and improve product quality, turning disruption into opportunity. As I shared in a BBC StoryWorks feature: Today, the conversation’s not about migrating to the cloud and getting out of the data center. It’s about IoT. It’s about machine learning. It’s about artificial intelligence. And migrating to the cloud is the foundation that enables all of these technologies that are very powerful for driving new revenue streams, managing risk, and addressing opportunities. Read the full story here: https://bbc.in/4kHkLNE #AWS #CloudTransformation #DigitalTransformation

Everyone talks about AI and Cloud like they’re separate revolutions. I’ve realized the real shift happens when you bring them together. Here’s how I see it: Cloud is your engine fast, scalable, reliable. AI is your co-pilot smart, predictive, adaptive. Together, they change the game: 1. Insights That Actually Matter – Instead of drowning in metrics, AI on Cloud tells the story behind the numbers. “Your system slowed down because this one process keeps queuing requests.” 2. Performance That Thinks Ahead – No more reactive scaling. AI predicts demand and adjusts resources before users even notice a hiccup. 3. Problems Caught Early – AI spots hidden failures, unusual patterns, or silent errors that traditional monitoring might miss. In short: -Cloud gives you power. -AI gives you awareness. -Together, they give you foresight. It’s not about replacing people. It’s about giving engineers the tools to solve real problems, rather than chasing alerts. The future isn’t Cloud or AI. It’s AI running on the cloud, making your business smarter. #AICloud #ArtificialIntelligence #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #TechInnovation #CloudTechnology #AIRevolution #Innovation

🚀 How AI & Cloud Innovation Are Transforming Enterprise IT – Lessons from Leading IT two large companies In my 25+ years as a CIO and technology leader, I’ve seen IT evolve from a cost center to a business growth enabler. Today, AI and cloud innovation are driving the next major shift in how enterprises operate. At past organizations, I had the opportunity to: ✅ Optimize a multi-cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP, supporting 600+ cloud accounts and 7,000+ VMs ✅ Implement GenAI-driven automation, boosting developer productivity by +20% and internal productivity by another +20% ✅ Deploy AI-powered cybersecurity strategies, strengthening risk management and cyber resilience 💡 Key Takeaways for IT Leaders: 🔹 AI isn’t just hype—it’s already streamlining development, cybersecurity, user productivity, and enterprise automation 🔹 Good data matters when you begin your AI enablement journey. Remember bad data in = bad data out 🔹 A hybrid cloud strategy is crucial for scaling IT while maintaining cost control & agility 🔹 IT should be a strategic enabler—not just a support function. The right tech investments drive business growth As IT leaders, we need to think beyond technology—it’s about business impact, efficiency, and innovation. 📢 What AI & cloud innovations are you seeing in your industry? Let’s discuss! #DigitalTransformation #AI #CloudComputing #CyberSecurity #EnterpriseIT #CIOLeadership