CIOs prioritise network security over AI, report reveals

Extreme Networks has released a research report highlighting the primary focus of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and senior IT buyers on the convergence of networking and security, despite the growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) within the technology sector.

The report, titled "CIO Insights Report: Priorities and Investment Plans in the Era of Platformisation," was based on a survey conducted in July and August 2024. It encompassed 200 CIOs and senior IT buyers from various vertical markets. The findings revealed that their top three IT priorities for the latter half of 2024 are securing the enterprise network, integrating network and security, and deploying AI across their organisations.

Of the respondents, 88% expressed a preference for a single integrated platform that includes networking, AI, and security. This desire signals a rising demand for platformisation, which combines integration across systems and simplifies user experiences.

The survey found that 34% of CIOs rated network security as their foremost concern, with 22% listing the integration of networking and security as their second priority. More than half, 57%, ranked network protection against potential threats among their top three challenges.

Furthermore, 55% indicated that built-in security is among the top three requirements when choosing a networking vendor, while 96% agree that the network underpins a robust cybersecurity and risk management strategy, suggesting that ad-hoc security solutions are not ideal.

AI implementation presents additional challenges, such as the need for increased network bandwidth and employee training, with 84% of respondents having started to integrate AI into their tech stack. The largest concern for 40% is securing data within AI systems. Bandwidth issues were noted by 49% during implementation, and 30% cited a lack of adequate training and guidance for employees. Also, 32% have yet to see significant return on investment from AI.

Platformisation is emerging as a significant focus in tandem with the shift towards cloud networking, which is aimed at improving IT operations and reducing total cost of ownership. A seamless transition to cloud networking was a top three priority for 36% of respondents. The necessity for a single cohesive platform for component integration into a user-friendly platform is clear, with 88% advocating for such a system encompassing networking, AI, and security.

In terms of upgrading infrastructure, 86% plan to do so within 18 months, with emphasis on adopting cloud-based solutions that accommodate AI and other emerging technologies. Fifty-five percent underscored the significance of integrating diverse networking and security solutions.

Regarding the desired features of a cloud networking platform, 58% prioritised AI and security integration, while 55% wished for a Network Infrastructure as a Service model. Security remained a top concern for 45%.

IT teams face expanded responsibilities due to the proliferation of AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and hybrid work environments, creating a need for simplified management solutions. Managing new network devices is a major complexity for 58% of respondents, with 50% noting expanded IT responsibilities. Ensuring technology integration and interoperability is a network challenge for 52%.

On sustainability, 88% of respondents believe IT departments should advise on technologies to reduce company carbon emissions, with 82% having tied IT goals to sustainability.

Nabil Bukhari, Chief Product and Technology Officer and GM of Subscription Business at Extreme Networks, commented, "In an era where AI, security, and networking are increasingly intertwined, CIOs and IT leaders face a clear mandate: they need to prioritise investments that unify components and capabilities for their teams. This is another reason for the trend towards platformisation and the increasing desire to integrate solutions into a single platform that is easy to use and deploy, is fully assembled and integrated out of the box, and delivers exponential value through the continuous addition of new embedded capabilities and applications. Organizations that embrace the network as the foundation of their platformisation strategy have the unprecedented opportunity to harness AI and security to deliver significant value to the rest of their organisation."