Key Points
- Legacy systems hinder innovation: Many companies still rely on outdated COBOL code, making it difficult to adopt modern technologies like AI, which is essential for staying competitive.
- Continuous modernization is key: Microsoft Azure emphasizes the importance of ongoing modernization, supported by strategic partnerships, to leverage AI innovations and drive business growth. This is crucial for businesses using Windows-based systems, as Azure integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
- Overcoming challenges requires skilling and strategy: Organizations face obstacles like insufficient IT skills and slow operations, but Azure offers solutions such as skilling workshops and comprehensive assessments to ensure successful transformation.
Modern Innovation: How Companies Differentiate with AI and Azure
In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, it’s surprising that many businesses still depend on systems developed decades ago. A staggering 220 billion lines of COBOL code are still in use, powering critical operations in finance, government, and other industries. This reliance on legacy systems poses significant risks, hindering the adoption of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). For Windows-based organizations, this means potential limitations in leveraging AI innovations, which are predominantly cloud-native.
However, companies are recognizing the need to transform. Innovations like generative AI are becoming the norm for differentiation. For example, Volvo Group utilizes Microsoft Azure AI and Azure AI Document Intelligence to streamline processes, saving 850 hours monthly. Similarly, Medigold Health leverages Azure OpenAI Service to automate administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care. These successes demonstrate how Azure’s AI capabilities can integrate with and enhance existing Windows-based workflows.
Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn, emphasizes, "AI is redefining work… leaders who build for agility and invest in skill building will create more efficient, engaged, and equitable teams." This underscores the importance of embracing AI for competitiveness. As a Windows-centric platform, Azure provides native support for integrating AI into core business operations, ensuring compatibility and ease of adoption.
To achieve this, organizations must accelerate their app and data estate readiness for AI innovation. Microsoft Azure provides a strong cloud foundation, but migration is just the starting point. Continuous modernization is essential, incorporating advances like GenAI to drive competitive advantage, as highlighted in a 2024 Forrester study. For Windows-based enterprises, Azure’s continuous modernization approach ensures that their infrastructure remains up-to-date and capable of supporting the latest AI technologies.
Challenges in Modernization
Despite recognizing the need for modernization, 89% of decision-makers plan to increase or maintain application modernization investments. However, only one in five has overcome foundational barriers. Common obstacles include:
- Legacy systems incompatible with modern tech, such as Windows-based applications requiring cloud-native AI integrations, leading to slow operations (53% of BDMs cite this issue)
- Insufficient IT skills (48% of respondents) to plan and execute modernization, particularly in integrating Azure services with existing Windows systems
Navigating the Modernization Journey
To mitigate these challenges, organizations must adopt a clear technology strategy, incorporating innovation, employee training, and strategic partnerships. Azure supports this journey by offering:
- Comprehensive guidance and expert help through programs like the Solution Assessment Program, which is tailored to assess and optimize Windows-centric IT estates.
- Extensive skilling workshops and tools for IT pros, developers, and technical managers, ensuring teams can effectively integrate Azure services with Windows-based systems.
- Managed app and data PaaS to automate tasks and streamline development processes, aligning with Windows workflow familiarities.
Real-World Success
The NBA exemplifies a successful Azure partnership, leveraging Microsoft Cloud to stay current with innovative technologies like Web 3.0 and metaverse. Sahil Gupta, NBA Senior Vice President, highlights the benefits of working with Azure, showcasing how Windows-based organizations can thrive in the AI era.
As companies navigate their digital transformation journeys, Azure remains a steadfast partner, offering support for hybrid, single, or multi-cloud approaches. With a robust partner ecosystem, Microsoft empowers organizations to achieve transformative, modernized applications, ensuring competitiveness in the AI-driven market. By embracing Azure, Windows-based businesses can seamlessly integrate AI innovations, drive growth, and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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