Edge computing rise forces real-time data shift: Lenovo

As enterprises brace for a new era of digital innovation, hybrid and multi-cloud adoption is surging, AI and ML are redefining data strategies, and high-performance computing is unlocking unprecedented analytical power.

In the latest interview with CIO&Leader, Amit Luthra, MD – India, Lenovo ISG delves into the key technology trends shaping the IT landscape by 2025—offering insights on how CIOs can capitalize on modernized data centers, embrace edge computing, and drive sustainability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Edited excerpts are below:

Amit Luthra,
MD – India,
Lenovo ISG

CIO&Leader: Which emerging technology trends do you expect will shape the IT landscape by 2025, particularly in areas like hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures, AI/ML-driven workloads, and high-performance computing?

Amit Luthra: By 2025, several technology trends will reshape the IT landscape. Hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures will become essential, offering unmatched flexibility, scalability, and resilience. This approach enables businesses to optimize costs while maintaining data sovereignty and compliance by leveraging the strengths of multiple cloud providers.

The integration of AI and ML into workloads will drive automation, transforming data processing and analysis. These technologies will accelerate decision-making, empowering organizations to innovate faster and more effectively.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in high-performance computing (HPC) will enable industries like healthcare and finance to solve complex problems with unprecedented speed. As data volumes rise, demand for robust computing power will surge, supporting real-time processing and advanced simulations.

CIO&Leader: How might these trends influence strategic IT decision-making and the pace at which enterprises adopt new infrastructure solutions?

Amit Luthra: The rapid evolution of technology is reshaping enterprise IT decision-making. In India, businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to enhance scalability and mitigate vendor lock-in. By 2025, AI-driven solutions like predictive analytics and customer experience tools will see widespread adoption, spurred by offerings such as Lenovo’s ThinkAgile hybrid cloud solutions. The challenge will be balancing migration costs with scalability advantages.

Edge computing is a game-changer, especially for industries like manufacturing and telecom leveraging IoT and AI. Investments in edge solutions surged 25% in APAC last year, according to Lenovo’s CIO Playbook. Lenovo’s ThinkEdge portfolio enables real-time data analysis, improving efficiency and reducing latency.

AI adoption will drive demand for specialized infrastructure, but implementation costs remain a key concern. Hybrid strategies and innovations like Lenovo’s Neptune Liquid Cooling will help businesses scale AI while managing energy consumption and cost sustainably.

CIO&Leader: As we approach 2025, what do you anticipate will be the most critical priorities and challenges facing CIOs?

Amit Luthra: Indian CIOs face a rapidly evolving tech landscape, with AI at the forefront of their priorities and challenges.

Operationalizing AI at scale remains a significant hurdle for 90% of Indian enterprises, despite growing investments in machine learning and generative AI. To address this, CIOs will require robust AI infrastructure that ensures data reliability, security, and alignment with organizational goals. Lenovo’s ThinkAgile and Neptune Liquid Cooling technologies offer scalable, sustainable solutions for these demanding workloads.

The rise of edge computing investments, especially in telecom and BFSI, highlights the need for real-time data analytics. CIOs are exploring hybrid edge solutions to tackle latency issues and efficiently process larger data volumes closer to the source.

Finally, bridging talent gaps will be critical. Developing in-house AI expertise through upskilling and strategic partnerships will be essential for driving innovation and staying ahead of the curve.

CIO&Leader: How do Lenovo’s infrastructure solutions—ranging from scalable data center offerings and edge-to-cloud capabilities to AI-driven accelerators—help CIOs address these priorities and confidently drive digital transformation?

Amit Luthra: Lenovo’s infrastructure solutions are designed to help CIOs navigate digital transformation with confidence, addressing key priorities across industries.

AI-Driven Innovation: Verticalized large language models (LLMs) are transforming sectors like manufacturing and BFSI, delivering tailored AI capabilities. Lenovo’s AI-ready infrastructure, including ThinkSystem servers, supports the optimization of these sector-specific AI workloads, ensuring precision, scalability, and high performance.

Edge Computing for Real-Time Decision-Making: With the rise of IoT and AI-driven environments, edge computing is crucial. Lenovo’s ThinkEdge solutions empower businesses to process data at the source, reducing latency and enabling faster, data-driven decision-making in real-time.

Cybersecurity: As cyber threats intensify, Lenovo prioritizes robust protection across hybrid environments. Our cybersecurity services, including managed detection and response, deliver advanced, proactive security to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Sustainability: Lenovo is committed to sustainability. Our Neptune Liquid Cooling technology reduces energy consumption by up to 40%, addressing growing demands for data center efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with practical, sustainable solutions, Lenovo helps CIOs accelerate digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay ahead of evolving challenges. 

CIO&Leader: Could you share any upcoming initiatives or product enhancements from Lenovo that align with the anticipated technology trends?

Amit Luthra: As we look towards 2025, Lenovo is committed to empowering businesses as they navigate the evolving IT landscape. We are focused on delivering infrastructure solutions that align with the anticipated trends of hybrid and multi-cloud adoption, AI/ML-driven workloads, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Our solutions are designed to enhance flexibility, scalability, and compliance, enabling businesses to optimize costs and meet evolving regulatory requirements. By integrating AI and ML capabilities, we’re helping organizations automate tasks, unlock deeper insights, and accelerate decision-making, fostering innovation at every level.

With advancements in HPC, we are poised to support industries like healthcare and finance, providing the computational power necessary to address complex challenges through real-time data processing and advanced simulations. Lenovo’s infrastructure will continue to be a driving force behind the adoption of these transformative technologies, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. 

CIO&Leader: In what ways is Lenovo contributing to industry needs, such as supporting AI-driven workloads, enabling data center modernization, fostering sustainability, and facilitating seamless hybrid cloud integration for enterprise clients?

Amit Luthra: Lenovo is at the forefront of driving industry transformation by addressing key enterprise needs: AI-driven workloads, data center modernization, sustainability, and seamless hybrid cloud integration.

AI-Optimized Infrastructure: Lenovo’s ThinkSystem V4 portfolio is designed to support demanding AI workloads, delivering exceptional performance and energy efficiency. This tailored infrastructure enables businesses to harness the full potential of AI, driving innovation and operational efficiency.

Data Center Modernization & Hybrid Cloud Integration: Lenovo ThinkAgile solutions are transforming data centers, enabling seamless hybrid cloud adoption. These solutions ensure enterprises have the flexibility and scalability needed to meet dynamic business requirements and optimize their IT infrastructure.

Sustainability Innovations: Lenovo is committed to sustainability with innovations like Neptune liquid-cooling technology, which reduces energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional cooling methods. This solution supports organizations in meeting their environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

TruScale Infrastructure Services: With an OPEX-based consumption model, TruScale offers enterprise-grade infrastructure without the need for significant upfront investment. This approach enhances cost efficiency and scalability, allowing enterprises to scale their infrastructure as needed without financial constraints.

AI and R&D Advancements: In collaboration with Databricks, Lenovo is accelerating AI adoption by simplifying data processing and analysis for enterprises. In India, Lenovo has launched AI server manufacturing and established a dedicated lab to support research and development, helping organizations drive AI innovation.

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