Fayez Eweidat, Head of Enterprise – Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Juniper Networks highlighted the significant growth potential of AI networking for partners in the Middle East. He emphasized overcoming fears associated with AI to unlock transformative benefits and enhance customer experiences.
The adoption of AI networking presents a tremendous opportunity for partner growth and innovation in the channel landscape. Whilst there is sometimes apprehension associated with AI implementation, the benefits significantly outweigh the fears when it comes to AI networking. Using solutions that ingest the right data into proficient AI engines can ensure accurate and efficient outcomes.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to deliver a real value of $150 billion across all sectors of the combined economies in the Middle East’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Thus, partners in the region can thrive by adopting an AI-focused business strategy along with employing the right solutions to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Collaborating with reputable vendors that have a proven track record in the AI networking space, these partners will be in a position to support their customers in developing an AIOps strategy to effectively address potential concerns with explainable AI, ensuring a smooth transition to AI-powered operations.
Embracing AI: Overcoming Challenges for Greater Rewards
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has recently conducted a survey in association with PwC, obtaining feedback from family businesses and their next generation of leaders regarding AI implementation. The findings reveal that emerging technology comes with unique concerns for family businesses, with many preferring to rely on proven technology due to perceived risks on investing a large amount of money on an uncertain outcome. 44 percent of respondents are concerned that implementing generative AI (Gen AI) could increase the business’s cybersecurity risk. Another 29 percent worry about the potential for legal liabilities and reputational damage. Despite these reservations, AI has immense potential to revolutionise business operations. According to the same survey, 85 percent of respondents agree that AI is a powerful force for transformation.
Considering the significant role that AI plays in various national initiatives and strategic plans across the GCC, the benefits of AI adoption cannot be ignored. The UAE seeks to become a global leader in AI by 2031 through the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. Similarly, the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) launched the National Strategy for Data & AI, with the goal of pushing Saudi Arabia into the top 15 countries in the field of AI. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) has also recently established the ‘Falcon Foundation,’ which committed to provide US $300 million to fund the development of open-source GenAI models and sustainable ecosystems around open-source projects. By successfully embracing AI, regional businesses can benefit from precise data analytics, simplified network operations and enhanced, AI-assisted decision-making capabilities, optimising their operational efficiencies overall to grow and thrive amidst this exciting landscape.
Developing an AI Strategy
Channel partners play a crucial role in guiding their customers through AI implementation challenges and overcoming concerns around AI. By investing in the latest AI-native networking solutions and getting to grips with the capabilities they bring to the table, partners can help customers build solid AI networking foundations that can be tailored to their specific needs and business requirements.
The first step in a customer’s AI journey is to clarify any data integrity concerns that customers may have when examining an AI-powered solution. Partners can alleviate initial concerns by explaining how data can be ingested accurately by the AI engine, drawing on the knowledge repositories and training courses that competent technology vendors provide. Proof-of-Concept (POC) is a key technique for demonstrating the full potential of AI. Showing customers how AI can easily adapt to various industries, as well as how quick and seamless its deployment can be. This will help to earn the customer’s trust. To further guarantee that customers are making the most out of the technology, partners can additionally provide essential training and IT assistance.
Partners should also consider investing in solutions that deliver a comprehensive integration approach, ensuring seamless deployment of AI into the right network infrastructures. Solutions that champion data integrity and offer robust AI training simplify operation for IT teams and can help partners drive significant value for enterprises.
The latest AI-native networking solutions are designed to provide end-to-end assurance, transforming enterprise networks and addressing critical security and operational needs through features like proactive network management, real-time response and location services, which can enhance end-user experiences across many different verticals. Leveraging AI can streamline network operations, provide automated insights and actions for more efficient and reliable network management, enhance performance and improve user experiences.
Channel Partners Should be Empowered with the Right Support
Joining a partner program offered by a reputable AI-native networking vendor can empower channel partners to confidently navigate the complexities of AI adoption. On top of having access to advanced networking solutions, a strong vendor-partner relationship means that partners can work with the vendor to help their common customers overcome any uncertainties around AI, ensuring a smooth and beneficial AI implementation process. Partner programs can additionally offer access to comprehensive training, certifications and incentives, arming partners with the expertise required to deliver superior AI solutions.
Conclusion
As GCC enterprises overcome their concerns and embrace AI, trusted channel partners have become indispensable for successful implementation. A robust, enduring partner-vendor relationship is essential to support and address possible concerns, thereby enabling customers to optimise the efforts and potential of their digital transformation. When implemented properly, AI’s transformative power can drive successful innovation, efficiency and improved outcomes for organisations, far outweighing any initial concerns.
