Why Your AI Will Never Take Off Without Better Data Accessibility

European companies are pouring vast resources into hybrid cloud and AI strategies, hoping to drive innovation, improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge. However, without ensuring better data accessibility at the core of these efforts, they risk missing out on the full potential of their investments. Any successful AI initiative depends heavily on access to quality and secure data, but many firms are still grappling with challenges related to data infrastructures.

Firms are seemingly making strides in adopting hybrid cloud strategies. According to the latest Nasuni research, 60% of enterprise data will be stored in hybrid cloud environments by 2027, with 62% of firms that already have hybrid cloud storage planning to upgrade their infrastructures in the next 12 months. This shift demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of hybrid cloud as the backbone of modern data strategies.

However, despite these moves, many organizations have not yet laid the groundwork for ensuring their data infrastructures can support their ambitious AI initiatives. The focus on operational benefits and data-driven decision-making is evident, but CIOs must confront significant data management and security challenges before their AI plans can truly take off.

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The Importance of Data Accessibility

Organizations are beginning to recognize the critical role that data accessibility plays in gaining a competitive advantage. In Nasuni’s survey, CIOs identified data management and analytics as the top cloud investment area for the next 18 months, with data management aimed at supporting AI initiatives coming in second. This shows a clear understanding that AI success is closely linked to how efficiently and securely a company can access and manage its data.

However, achieving this level of data accessibility comes with significant hurdles. The top challenge, according to CIOs, is data privacy and security. Concerns over data security outweigh even the skills deficit, vendor lock-in and the difficulties in identifying suitable AI use cases. This is a pivotal concern—without addressing data security, any efforts to modernize infrastructures and support AI strategies could be severely compromised.

Security Challenges Overshadowing AI Plans

Data management and security challenges cast a long shadow over efforts to modernize infrastructures in support of AI and cloud strategies. The survey results reveal that while CIOs prioritize streamlining business processes through cloud infrastructures, improving data security and business resilience is a close second. Security is a persistent challenge for companies managing large volumes of file data and it continues to complicate efforts to enhance data accessibility.

Nasuni’s research highlights that 49% of firms (rising to 54% in the UK) view security as their biggest problem when managing file data infrastructures. This issue ranks ahead of concerns such as rapid recovery from cyberattacks and ensuring data compliance. As companies attempt to move their file data to the cloud, security is again the primary obstacle, with 45% of all respondents—and 55% in the DACH region—citing it as the leading barrier, far outstripping concerns over cost control, upskilling employees and data migration challenges.

These security concerns are not just theoretical. Over half of the companies surveyed admitted that they had experienced a cyber incident from which they struggled to recover. Alarmingly, only one in five said they managed to recover from such incidents easily. This underscores the disconnect between organizations' perceived preparedness and the reality of the cyber threats they face.

Overconfidence in Cyberattack Preparedness

One of the most significant factors undermining firms’ future AI strategies is their overconfidence in dealing with cyber threats. Despite the numerous challenges and incidents firms have faced, many still exhibit a sense of complacency when it comes to cybersecurity.

For example, only half of the surveyed companies say their data is backed up, immutable and easily recoverable—an essential baseline for mitigating the impact of ransomware and other cyberattacks. Moreover, just 40% of organizations have set up and regularly practiced an attack response plan. This lack of preparedness leaves many companies vulnerable to the severe consequences of cyberattacks, including prolonged downtime, data loss and reputational damage.

CIOs must acknowledge this gap between perception and reality. While they may feel confident in their organization's ability to handle cyber threats, the data shows that many are not adequately prepared to recover from incidents quickly and effectively. To close this gap, firms must reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies and invest in hybrid cloud storage solutions that provide robust protection and faster recovery.

Building a Strong Foundation for AI With Hybrid Cloud Storage

For European firms to fully leverage their AI investments, they need data strategies that work seamlessly across data centers, edge locations and public cloud infrastructures. These strategies must ensure both the accessibility and security of critical data assets while supporting scalability and resilience.

Hybrid cloud storage presents a solution. By combining the flexibility of public cloud storage with the performance and control of on-premises solutions, hybrid environments can support the demands of AI while offering built-in data security and rapid recovery capabilities. Nasuni’s research shows that 62% of firms with hybrid cloud storage are planning to upgrade their infrastructures in the next 12 months, highlighting the need for more resilient and responsive data environments.

In addition to enhancing data accessibility, hybrid cloud solutions improve planning and response capabilities in the face of cyber threats. Advanced ransomware detection, proactive mitigation and recovery features enable firms to move beyond focusing solely on data recovery to a more comprehensive approach that mitigates risks and strengthens AI initiatives.

The Way Forward: Unlocking AI Potential Through Secure Data Accessibility

To unlock the full potential of their AI strategies, European firms should prioritize better data accessibility. Data remains the foundation of any successful long-term AI initiative and ensuring data is secure, accessible and well-managed should be a top priority for CIOs.

As firms modernize their infrastructures, addressing security challenges is key. Hybrid cloud storage provides the scalability, security and accessibility needed to support the next generation of AI-driven business strategies. By prioritizing data accessibility and strengthening cybersecurity efforts, firms can truly unlock the full potential of their AI investments.