Businesses are going through a journey across cloud transformation, digital transformation, and now AI transformation. From technology innovation to broader industry impact, transformation trends have evolved over the years and continue to shape the future of businesses.
Cloud transformation was the first step for many companies, providing direct access to innovation and scalability. Moving fundamental processes like ERP and CRM to the cloud was a significant milestone. Digital transformation followed, leveraging cloud technology to build apps and data projects while enhancing overall business operations.
Cybersecurity played a pivotal role in accelerating cloud adoption as companies realised that securing data on their own infrastructure was more complex and costly than moving to the cloud. Many new customers turned to us after experiencing a surge in attacks – it had simply become too complicated for them to manage. This shift was further reinforced by the realisation that cloud services were more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
The biggest driver for cloud adoption now is being able to grasp the benefits of AI. Companies need to transition to the cloud to access the power necessary for AI. This shift is crucial for staying competitive and preparing for the future.
We tell our customers that moving to cloud gives them instant access to innovation. Those slow to adopt are now playing catch-up, especially when it comes to AI.
We are now entering the age of AI transformation. With the right infrastructure and integrated processes in place, companies are exploring how AI can enhance, evolve and develop their operations.
Major players like SAP and Microsoft have developed their own AI solutions, each reflecting their unique DNA – for instance, SAP is highly process-driven, while Microsoft focuses on sharing and community. AI is being driven by platforms like Co-Pilot, Gemini, and Chat GPT which are all becoming embedded into businesses.
We are also seeing AI applied in machine learning for data analysis, chatbots within apps, and more – emerging every day and every week. The shift to cloud has proven beneficial, especially for early adopters who now have access to new and exciting AI capabilities and opportunities.
We are helping businesses see real, practical productivity improvements, but there is still a long road ahead for many in terms of embedding this across the business.
We typically start with demonstrating how AI can reduce project costs by automating processes and coping with high demand. Businesses that we have supported through digital transformation are now leveraging AI for predictive analytics and other advanced use cases, continuing to benefit from their cloud-based platforms.
The AI conversation has shifted from being purely an IT discussion to a broader business discussion. CFOs and Chief Marketing Officers are now the primary decision-makers, emphasising the need for business-oriented solutions. This shift reflects the evolving nature of technology, where functional teams – not just IT – play a crucial role in driving transformation. The people validating and choosing these solutions are also the end users, and they need direct engagement with us on this. If you're buying an ERP system, it's the finance and operations team making the decision. If you're buying a CRM system to improve connections with your customers, it's your marketing team who will be leading the change.
Overall, the strategy for rolling out services across different markets involves leveraging complementary practices and focusing on easier-to-sell solutions like cybersecurity and CRM. AI is becoming a key component, with a focus on identifying strategic use cases that create significant value.
It's an exciting time for transformation, and the future looks promising with AI driving innovation and efficiency across industries – and Sharp is here to help at every stage of the journey.
