In 2025, the IT industry is set to witness groundbreaking advancements and challenges that will redefine how data is managed, stored, and utilized. Insights from three Hitachi Vantara executives shared in a recent article in France’s Storage Newsletter highlight key trends that will dominate the global storage and infrastructure space, including the emphasis on sustainability, ethical AI, and the rise of intelligent infrastructure.
Sustainability Becomes a Data Center Imperative
Data centers, consuming over 3% of global power, now surpass the airline industry in carbon footprint. According to Simon Ninan, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy at Hitachi Vantara, energy-efficient data management will become critical for operational and financial optimization in 2025.
Organizations will shift from commoditized hardware to integrated systems prioritizing high performance, security, and energy efficiency. Sustainability operations (SustOps) frameworks will gain traction alongside advances in data center infrastructure management (DCIM).
Ninan notes that Gartner predicts that by 2027, 75% of IT organizations will implement targeted sustainability initiatives, marking a significant transformation. Moreover, AI advancements will drive "green algorithms" and IT practices, enhancing efficiency across all facets of data center operations.
The Rise of Intelligent Infrastructure
Kimberly King, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partners & Alliances at Hitachi Vantara, predicts intelligent infrastructure will dominate the channel in 2025. MSPs will face growing demand for solutions powered by AI and machine learning that enable automation, predictive analytics, and augmented intelligence.
Enterprises will rely on MSPs to implement modular, scalable, and sustainable technologies that maximize IT ROI and ensure seamless user experiences. These services will transform data infrastructures, enabling businesses to adapt to evolving needs while staying competitive.
AI Ethics Under Scrutiny
Jason Hardy, CTO of AI at Hitachi Vantara, forecasts a more measured approach to AI in 2025. After a frenzied adoption phase, enterprises will focus on thorough data preparation and ethical considerations for their AI initiatives. Small language models and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) will reduce bias and enhance reliability, addressing some of AI’s biggest challenges.
Businesses will also prioritize safeguarding personally identifiable information within AI training datasets. Sustainability in AI infrastructure will take precedence, with organizations working to reduce power consumption while enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. The shift toward ROI-driven AI strategies will emphasize the need for AI-ready infrastructure.
Get Ready for a Wild Ride: Rapid Changes Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, these trends signal a year of rapid innovation and critical shifts for IT solution providers. With sustainability, ethical AI, and intelligent infrastructure at the forefront, the industry is poised for another transformative year.
Read more insights and predictions from Hitachi Vantara executives.
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