Cloud Maturity Levels - Only 14% of Organizations Achieve High Status

Basically, only a small number of companies are good at using cloud technology effectively.
A new study shows only 14% of organizations have high cloud maturity. This gap threatens AI investments and modernization efforts. Companies need to prioritize cloud security and innovation to stay competitive.
What Happened
A recent study by NTT Data has unveiled a concerning statistic: only 14% of organizations have reached a high level of cloud maturity. The study surveyed over 2,300 senior decision-makers across 33 countries, highlighting a significant gap in cloud adoption and utilization. Despite 99% of respondents acknowledging that AI is driving demand for cloud investments, 88% reported that their current budgets are hindering initiatives related to AI, cloud-native applications, and modernization.
This disconnect raises alarms about the ability of organizations to leverage cloud technology effectively. Less than 50% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction with their cloud or modernization programs. Many pointed out that legacy applications and data platforms are significant barriers to innovation. The findings suggest that organizations are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cloud technology.
Who's Affected
The implications of this study extend to a wide range of industries. Organizations that fail to mature their cloud capabilities are at risk of falling behind in the competitive landscape. This is particularly critical as AI technologies continue to advance, necessitating a robust cloud infrastructure to support their deployment.
Charlie Li, President and Global Head of Cloud and Security at NTT Data, emphasized that “cloud has moved well beyond infrastructure” and is now essential for executing AI strategies. Companies that view cloud as merely a technology initiative rather than a value creator may find themselves constrained in their growth and ability to capitalize on AI investments.
What Data Was Exposed
The survey results reveal several key insights into the current state of cloud maturity among organizations. Notably, 47% of respondents reported using AI in their last cloud migration efforts, compared to 35% of other companies. This indicates that organizations leveraging AI are more likely to achieve higher cloud maturity levels.
Furthermore, security emerged as the top priority for cloud investments, with modernization identified as the primary focus for the next two years. These insights underscore the need for organizations to prioritize both security and modernization to enhance their cloud maturity and overall effectiveness.
What You Should Do
For organizations looking to improve their cloud maturity, several steps can be taken. First, assess your current cloud capabilities and identify areas for improvement. Investing in cloud security and modernization initiatives should be a priority, as these are crucial for supporting AI and other advanced technologies.
Additionally, fostering a culture that embraces cloud technology as a value creator can lead to more innovative solutions. Organizations should also consider reallocating budgets to support cloud initiatives, ensuring that they do not fall behind in the evolving digital landscape. By taking these steps, companies can enhance their cloud maturity and better position themselves for future growth.