SINGAPORE, 31 March 2025 – IDC predicts that, by 2027, 45% of A2000 organizations will adopt performance-intensive, software-driven, scale-out storage infrastructure and unified data management to accelerate insights for AI and analytics, according to the IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Generative Artificial Intelligence 2025 Predictions — APEJ Implications. This shift is driven by the need to manage vast and expanding datasets, ensure compliance with data sovereignty regulations, and overcome challenges like insufficient storage capacity and computational power for AI workloads.
Traditional storage systems struggle to keep pace with the scale and speed required for AI applications, prompting businesses to invest in scalable, flexible infrastructure that can handle unstructured data more efficiently. These software-defined and scale-out storage solutions offer the performance and scalability needed to process and analyze large volumes of data, enabling faster insights. Unified data management simplifies the integration and governance of diverse data sources, helping organizations unlock valuable insights more efficiently. This strategic focus on cloud modernization, sustainability, and distributed data strategies reflects a broader effort to align digital infrastructure with innovation goals, operational efficiencies, and regulatory requirements, allowing enterprises to fully leverage AI’s transformative potential and stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven world.
“Agentic AI is bridging critical gaps in large-scale GenAI implementation, driving more tangible ROI. However, its full potential can only be realized if enterprises prioritize the development of event-driven architectures supported by a robust data foundation layer,” says Deepika Giri, head of research, Big Data & AI at IDC Asia/Pacific (including Japan).
This study presents the top 10 predictions for GenAI initiatives through 2030. Each prediction is assessed based on its impact (a mix of cost and complexity to address) and time frame to the expected stated adoption level. This study also highlights IT impact and guidance for technology buyers for each prediction statement. The following are some of IDC’s predictions representing the expected trends with potential impact on GenAI initiatives:
Unifying AI Governance: By 2026, 80% of APEJ organizations will be formalizing policies and oversight to address AI risks (e.g., ethical, brand, PII), aligning AI governance with strategic business goals.
GenAI POC to Production: In 2026, over one-third of APEJ organizations will be stuck in the experimental, point-solution phase of AI experimentation, requiring a shift of focus to enterprise use cases to deliver ROI.
GenAI for Cloud Security: By 2026, 40% of multicloud environments will leverage generative AI to streamline security and identity access management, reducing manual efforts by 50% across APEJ organizations.
Agentic Workflows: By 2026, 20% of frustrated knowledge workers with no development experience will take charge of transforming how they work by building their own agentic workflows, improving cycle times by 50%.
Each year, IDC releases its top technology predictions at worldwide, regional and country levels through its IDC FutureScape Reports and offers strategic and data-driven insights into what is ahead for the rapidly changing IT industry. These predictions have been used to shape the strategies and business objectives of technology leaders and business executives in the next 1-5 years. All the predictions stated here cover Asia/Pacific implications.
Catch an on-demand replay of IDC’s 2025 Predictions presentations on AI Everywhere Playbook, Building an AI-Fueled Business, Unblocking AI Everywhere Blockers, and Mapping Growth Opportunities in an AI Everywhere Era by registering here .
Asia/Pacific Excluding Japan FutureScape Reports come with a complimentary report that provides specific recommendations for tech vendor sales and marketing leaders. Leverage IDC insights to better understand clients’ priorities and enhance your storytelling and go-to market plans, access the IDC FutureScape: Worldwide GenAI 2025 Predictions ― Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Implications Positioning for Success ― Opportunities for Tech Sales and Marketing Leaders market presentation here .
For more information about IDC FutureScape and other resources, please visit our regional FutureScape site. For sales inquiries on the IDC FutureScape framework and reports, please contact your IDC account manager or Tessa Rago at trago@idc.com. For media queries, please contact Michael de la Cruz at mdelacruz@idc.com or Miguel Carreon at mcarreon@idc.com.
*Asia/Pacific excluding Japan
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About IDC FutureScape
IDC FutureScape reports are used to shape IT strategy and planning for the enterprise by providing a basic framework for evaluating IT initiatives in terms of their value to business strategy now and in the foreseeable future. IDC’s FutureScape reports are comprised of a set of decision imperatives designed to identify a range of pending issues that CIOs and senior technology professionals will confront within a typical five-year business planning cycle.
About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC’s analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDCAP and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.