Starburst, the open data lakehouse company, has released a new report highlighting the vital importance of real-time hybrid data access and robust security for successful AI implementations. Developed in partnership with TheCUBE Research, the report is based on a survey of 300 IT professionals from a range of industries in the United States and Western Europe.

“Starburst provides the essential foundation for AI innovation, emphasizing real-time hybrid data access and robust security,” said Justin Borgman, co-founder and CEO of Starburst. “With our advanced and user-friendly open hybrid lakehouse platform, customers can navigate the complexities of data management with greater ease, efficiency, and accuracy, driving transformative AI outcomes.”

The survey emphasizes the significance of effective data management, real-time access, hybrid and federated access, and strong security measures in driving successful AI outcomes. Key findings include:

● Strong AI Adoption Intent: 87% of organizations express a strong or very strong desire to implement AI within the next 12 months, with significant progress reported by 86% of respondents.
● Alignment of Data Management and AI Success: 90% of respondents believe their data management practices are somewhat or very aligned with their AI innovation goals, highlighting the critical role of coherent data strategies.
● Primary Challenges: Organizations face significant hurdles in organizing both structured (52%) and unstructured data (50%) for AI applications. Data privacy/security concerns and data volume are cited as the most significant barriers.
● Real-Time Data Access: 62% of respondents highlight real-time data access as critical for AI success, with 65% considering it important or critical for their AI initiatives.
● Data Literacy Impact: Enhanced data literacy is seen as crucial, with 90% of respondents believing it would moderately or significantly impact AI project success.

● Building a Data-Driven Culture: Strategies such as increasing awareness of data’s value (69%), fostering cross-functional collaboration (66%), and building a data-driven culture (61%) are identified as key to maximizing AI’s potential.

The survey reveals several key trends in data management that are shaping the AI landscape:

● Data Governance and Federated Access: 52% of respondents have adopted data governance and federated data access strategies to improve data quality and accessibility across systems, including on-premises and in the cloud.
● Cloud-Based Platforms and Agile Methodologies: 59% are leveraging cloud-based platforms for scalability, and 61% are using agile methodologies for data project management.

● Emerging Importance of Real-Time Data: Real-time data access is essential, with 62% of respondents emphasizing its critical role in AI success.