The latest mid-year review on AI and infrastructure trends in Australia and New Zealand offers a compelling snapshot of a tech landscape that’s rapidly evolving yet still tethered to the realities of business. A fourfold jump in AI investment is impressive—but the fact that over half of organisations are still feeling their way through AI deployment planning underscores a universal truth: smart tech adoption isn’t just about throwing money at shiny tools. Demonstrating ROI remains the Achilles’ heel, reminding us that AI must deliver measurable value, not just futuristic hype.
Cybersecurity standing at the boardroom table is no surprise, especially given the ever-escalating complexity of attacks powered by AI itself. The proactive stance that businesses and regulators are taking, focusing on layered defences and accountability, reflects a maturing market that is finally taking digital risk seriously. Lenovo’s full-stack cybersecurity services highlight how building resilience isn’t a one-and-done project but an ongoing ecosystem investment.
On the sustainability front, the intertwined growth of AI workloads and energy consumption forces a reckoning. The spotlight on sustainable data centre infrastructure demonstrates that innovation and ecological responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive. Technologies like Lenovo’s liquid cooling are exciting examples of how ignoring energy demands could soon become an impractical luxury in AI expansion.
Hybrid and edge computing trends signal an important maturation: AI must live where the data lives and decisions need to happen fast. This is more than just tech-speak—it’s the foundation for responsive, efficient services across diverse sectors from mining to retail.
Finally, the rise of agentic AI and verticalised LLMs is where the rubber meets the road for practical AI applications. The shift from pure chatbot to independent decision-making partners suggests a future where AI truly works alongside humans rather than just for them. Yet, as these digital twins and AI agents emerge, critical questions remain about skills gaps and organisational readiness.
In short, ANZ’s AI journey is a fascinating study in balancing ambition with pragmatism. As the region races to build infrastructure and capabilities, the winners will be those who combine innovation with a clear-eyed approach to ROI, security, sustainability, and talent development. It’s a high-speed train with some real obstacles on the tracks—but also incredible promise for those ready to ride it. Source: Reality check: Lenovo’s enterprise predictions for 2025 under the microscope
