Artificial intelligence is the new flight path for enterprises. But like Icarus, those who soar without restraint risk the fall, which is why a durable AI strategy begins with a strong data foundation.
For those data foundations to be future-proof, having the discipline to scale sustainably is important. Without a clear plan for data, even the boldest efforts risk stalling in pilots, according to Jason Mills (pictured), senior vice president of solutions engineering at Cloudera Inc.
“Customers are looking to us to help them define their data strategy,” he said. “[Because] you don’t have an AI strategy without a data strategy.”
Mills spoke with theCUBE’s Dave Vellante at Cloudera EVOLVE25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed the role of hybrid deployments in aligning AI strategy with data strategy. (* Disclosure below.)
AI strategy beyond the pilot phase
Enterprises are now defining AI strategy around hybrid models that allow workloads to move between on-premises systems and the cloud. This gives companies control over cost while maintaining an agility to expand, according to Mills.
“What we’re talking about is the difference between on-prem and cloud deployments of machine learning or AI models,” he said. “For some of our largest customers, we’re even looking at ways to burst into the cloud so that they can have hyper-agile solutions within their environment.”
The harder step is turning pilots into production. Many organizations remain trapped in “pilotitis,” unable to advance because their AI strategy cannot make good on promises of efficiency or security, according to Mills.
“If an AI model is not highly accurate to the questions or use cases that you’re trying to address, you will stay in pilot mode,” he said. “If that AI model costs more than you actually forecasted, then again, you will stay in pilot mode. And that’s part of the understanding: how customers need to pay attention to and rely on platforms like Cloudera to provide them with those capabilities to govern the entire AI ecosystem.”
Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of Cloudera EVOLVE25:
(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Cloudera EVOLVE25. Neither Cloudera Inc., the sponsor of theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)
Photo: SiliconANGLE