'Cloud and AI will become synonymous in 2025'

JO DEBECKER, managing partner and global head of Wipro FullStride Cloud, believes that a combination of Cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) will become the "foundation" for the success of enterprises. The processing power and data needed to build and train AI models come from Cloud. Debecker, in a video interview with Shivani Shinde, spoke about the two technologies and how Wipro is preparing to be an AI-powered firm. Edited excerpts:

- JO DEBECKER, managing partner and global head of Wipro FullStride Cloud, believes that a combination of Cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) will become the "foundation" for the success of enterprises.

Is AI driving Cloud adoption?

Cloud serves as the foundational enabler that drives AI innovation. A recent survey we conducted revealed that over half of the organisations surveyed—many of them our clients—identified AI as the primary driver of their Cloud investments. However, a significant 55 percent of respondents said that Cloud adoption is currently outpacing AI adoption.

At Wipro, we're observing a shift in client expectations. AI is now a prerequisite in Cloud deals—it's no longer an afterthought. Clients are realizing the importance of building a digital core that integrates both cloud and AI.

Our survey highlighted that almost 54 percent of clients cite AI as the primary driver of Cloud investments. More than half—55 percent—report that Cloud adoption is outpacing AI adoption. And over one-third—35 percent—said that they are advancing investments in both Cloud and AI simultaneously. Over 50 percent of current Cloud migrations are fueled by the desire to enable AI.

Does this mean a slower adoption of AI linked to gaps in Cloud readiness?