Develop and deploy secure, scalable AI solutions on Microsoft Azure

Generative AI is changing the game for businesses, and it's happening fast. Companies are feeling the pressure to get on board and actually use it to make a real difference, or they risk being left in the dust.

But let's be real, rolling out AI across a whole company isn't simple. Think of generative AI as rocket fuel—it can launch you into the stratosphere, but you need a solid mission control to get there safely. That's where Microsoft Azure comes in. It's the secure and powerful cloud platform that gives teams the control they need to build, launch, and get awesome results from generative AI.

We wanted to know how businesses are actually doing this, so we asked Forrester Consulting to chat with some Azure customers. Their study reveals what it takes to be "AI-ready," the snags people hit when bringing generative AI to the cloud, and how Azure's flexible infrastructure and top-notch security help companies jump in with confidence.

Want the full story on how companies are using Azure to get AI-ready and run generative AI securely in the cloud? Keep reading!

Why is scaling AI on-premises such a pain?

Imagine trying to build a new subway system in a city that's growing like crazy, but you're stuck with old, narrow roads. That’s what it's like trying to scale generative AI without the cloud. Just like a modern city needs modern transit, AI needs a powerful, flexible cloud foundation to really thrive. Most AI leaders get this—in fact, a whopping 72% of those we surveyed said moving to Azure was a must-have for making AI a reality.

The old on-premises systems are like those outdated roads: they're slow, hard to manage, expensive to expand, and just not built for today's demands. Companies trying to do AI this way run into all sorts of headaches: hardware limitations, a lack of specialized talent, and integration issues that just grind innovation to a halt. You're also dealing with things like slow network speeds and a mess of disorganized data.

And when you’re dealing with AI, you can't be sloppy with security. Protecting sensitive data, staying compliant with rules, and avoiding risks are huge concerns. Our survey found four main worries:

1. Data privacy: Especially with all the new AI-generated content floating around.
2. Lack of expertise: Not enough people know the best practices for keeping AI secure.
3. Compliance nightmares: Keeping up with all the changing regulations is a headache.
4. Shadow IT: People using unapproved apps that create all sorts of security holes.

The solution? Partnering with a cloud platform that has security and compliance built right in. Moving to the cloud gives you the scalable infrastructure and the integrated apps you need. Folks who have already made the switch to Azure for their AI workloads say it’s given them a massive boost in global reach, scalability, and flexibility.

Why do businesses choose Azure for their AI journey?

The biggest roadblock to scaling AI is outdated infrastructure. On-premises systems are often slow, pricey, and just don't keep up. Our survey showed that a massive 75% of companies who migrated to Azure said it was essential for making generative AI adoption happen.

Even with the cloud, there are still hurdles, especially around security. People worry about vulnerabilities, a lack of security pros, and data privacy. But Azure tackles these head-on with a comprehensive security framework that protects AI workloads from start to finish.

Leaders in our survey love Azure’s “colocation strategy” because it gets rid of data silos and makes everything run smoother. Plus, tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel make Azure a trustworthy place to deploy serious, enterprise-grade AI.

4 big reasons why Azure is the go-to for generative AI:

1. Rock-solid security and compliance: Security is a huge deal, and Azure treats it that way. It protects your AI projects from the moment you write the code to when it’s running in the cloud. With tools like Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, and Azure Key Vault, your data is protected, and you can easily meet compliance standards. Microsoft is serious about ethical and responsible AI, so you can build powerful solutions without compromising on safety.
2. Infinitely scalable cloud infrastructure: Azure lets you ditch the limitations of old-school environments. It gives you a whole toolbox of advanced AI and machine learning tools, so you’re not stuck with messy data, outdated security, or slow systems. This lets you innovate faster, simplify your operations, and build AI with total confidence.
3. All-in-one data and AI management: Great AI needs great data. Azure brings all your data together with tools like Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Databricks. This means better data governance, optimized AI models, and seamless access to the clean, high-quality data you need to get accurate and reliable results.
4. Turbo-charged innovation: By moving to Azure, you can stop spending so much time on server maintenance and start focusing on cool AI projects. The flexibility and security of the cloud let you experiment and deploy new AI solutions with far less risk. The survey found that organizations on Azure felt more than twice as confident in their ability to build and refine their AI apps compared to those still stuck on-premises.

The payoff of running secure generative AI on Azure

Making the move to Azure for AI deployment pays off big time in performance and efficiency. Think of it this way:

• Smarter use of resources: Your IT team gets to stop wrestling with infrastructure and start working on the fun stuff, like creating new AI tools that really help the business.
• Faster results: Azure's AI services give your data scientists and engineers the tools they need to build and deploy high-quality models quicker than ever.
• Better security and fewer risks: Azure’s built-in security tools keep your data safe, reduce the risk of a breach, and help you stay on top of all the changing rules.
• Top-tier AI performance: Running your generative AI on Azure means your applications will perform better, driving more innovation and growth.

Innovate without compromise

For IT pros and business leaders navigating the wild world of AI, Azure is a reliable co-pilot. With its advanced infrastructure, built-in security, and commitment to responsible AI, it offers a secure and scalable launchpad for building and running generative AI in the cloud. With Azure, you can truly unlock the full potential of AI to drive innovation, grow your business, and create real, lasting value.

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