AI & Automation – Moving Beyond the Hype to Enterprise-Grade Impact

I recently had the privilege of attending the Cisco Partner Technical Exchange Conference 2025 in Bangkok, and it truly was an unforgettable experience! The event brought together Cisco representatives and partners from across the Australia and Asia Pacific regions, providing a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.

Throughout this series, we’ve explored how AI is reshaping business, not just through technology, but through how organisations work, compete, and deliver value. Yet, in many organisations, AI is still seen as an IT initiative. A digital transformation project. A technical capability that can be “rolled out” by a team somewhere downstream. In this blog, Adrian Alatsas highlights why AI is much more than a technology solution; it’s a leadership decision.

When it comes to AI, most organisations are asking the same question: “Where do we start?” The answer? Start with what’s feasible, not just what’s exciting. Your first AI initiative is more than a project — it’s a tone-setter. A successful start builds trust, momentum, and capability. But failure, over-engineering, or underwhelming results can stall progress before it even begins.

While many organisations are hesitant to adopt AI due to perceived risks and uncertainties, the greater threat may lie in doing nothing. This blog explores how delaying AI adoption can result in lost productivity, missed opportunities, and falling behind competitors who are actively building AI capabilities.

When organisations launch AI initiatives, the first instinct is often to hire a data scientist. But what they really need — and often lack — is a business translator. This critical role connects business needs with data capabilities, ensuring AI efforts are aligned with real-world problems and lead to tangible outcomes. Without this bridge between business and technical teams, even the best AI models risk becoming unused dashboards. A business translator understands strategy, speaks the language of data, and ensures outputs are actionable. While the role often exists informally today, formalising it is essential as AI becomes core to operations.

The traditional AI Proof-of-Concept (PoC) model, focused on technical validation in isolated environments, is no longer fit for purpose. Real AI value comes from solving real business problems, with real data, in real-world conditions. This blog unpacks why so many AI pilots stall and introduces a smarter approach: Business-in-Concept. By aligning AI initiatives with genuine business needs from day one, involving stakeholders early, and focusing on measurable outcomes, organisations can close the value gap and build the internal muscle required to scale AI. The takeaway? Don’t just prove the tech works — prove it matters.

Traditional ROI metrics like headcount reduction and cost savings fall short when it comes to AI. The true value of AI lies in augmenting people, accelerating insight, and enabling faster, smarter decisions. But that value is only unlocked when organisations have strong data foundations; clear, structured, and well-governed. This blog challenges outdated thinking around ROI and calls for a shift in mindset: from efficiency metrics to strategic impact measures like time-to-insight, decision speed, and risk mitigation. The path to real ROI isn’t a massive overhaul — it’s small, focused steps backed by good information management.

By Adrian Alatsas, Head of Consulting & Advisory, Logicalis Asia Pacific AI initiatives don’t fail because the models are flawed—they fail because organisations aren’t ready. This blog dives into the real blockers to AI success: poor data governance, unclear ownership, and disjointed business alignment. While many strategies start with grand roadmaps, they often skip the foundational question: Is our data even usable? The answer, more often than not, is no. But the solution isn’t to overhaul everything—it’s to start small, prioritise based on real use cases, and build “just enough” governance to create momentum. At Logicalis APAC, we focus on reality, not perfection—because your AI potential is only as strong as your data foundation.

By Adrian Alatsas, Head of Consulting & Advisory, Logicalis Asia Pacific In boardrooms and executive meetings around the world, the question “Can you show me a case study?” is often seen as due diligence—but in the realm of AI, it can become a subtle blocker of innovation. This blog explores how the demand for proven examples, while seemingly wise, may actually stall progress in one of the most transformative technological shifts of our time. It challenges leaders to rethink risk, embrace experimentation, and act decisively in an era where waiting could mean missing out.

If you’ve followed this blog series from the start—thank you for staying with us as we unpack the 2025 Australian federal budget’s impact on technology investment. In Blog 1, we explored how AI, cloud, and cybersecurity are driving digital transformation, aligning with key investment trends from the Logicalis APAC CIO Report and ADAPT’s Top 10 CIO Priorities for 2025. In Blog 2, we examined AI adoption beyond the hype, showcasing real-world use cases across industries and tackling common implementation challenges.

Drawing insights from Logicalis’ APAC CIO Report and ADAPT’s Top 10 CIO Priorities for 2025, this blog will explore what the budget means for IT leaders and how Logicalis can help these CIOs navigate the road ahead.

Stepping into the Acting General Manager (GM) role, from a National Sales Director position has been both an exciting and challenging transition. While sales leadership equips you with strategic thinking, relationship management, and revenue growth skills, the GM role demands a broader business perspective. Here’s what I’ve learned on my journey so far.

Application modernisation, often overlooked in digital transformation, can be a cost-effective way to leverage the benefits of cloud technology. This involves updating legacy applications to improve performance, security, and efficiency, allowing for greater scalability, flexibility, and integration.

Australian organisations are increasingly adopting cloud strategies as part of their technology infrastructure. The Australian Bureau of Statistics surveyed Australian businesses in 2022 and found that 85% were using ICT1, with 59% of these using cloud technology. Gartner predicts that cloud computing will become a business necessity by 2028.

A feeling of wonder and marvel can happen with new technologies when you suddenly realise that all the hype and promises are real. Around the world, we’re seeing this right now with generative AI, which has whipped up a lot of hype in such a short time. As organisations come to terms with generative AI and how it can revolutionise their business, they can be left thinking about when and how to modernise their workforce best.

Bailkoski highlights three standout themes from Logicalis Group’s latest CIO Report—all anchored in disruption. As CIOs and tech leaders navigate these rapid shifts, the annual CIO Report sheds light on the evolving priorities and challenges facing IT leadership today. Addressing a room of industry experts, Bailkoski reflected on how the role of IT leadership has transformed over the past decade. A decade of evolution: From shadow IT to digital transformation. Bailkoski recalled 2014’s key theme: ‘Shadow IT.’

Technological innovation is reshaping business competition rules. Yesterday’s successful strategies may not be enough for tomorrow’s challenges and businesses must adapt to the next wave of advancements, from quantum computing to industry-specific artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Logicalis Australia has identified seven key trends for organisations to stay ahead in 2025.

In 2023, Logicalis made a commitment to playing a proactive role in environmental sustainability by partnering with Carbon Positive Australia to restore land and biodiversity across the country. As part of our sustainability pledge, for every badge scanned at our events and for every attendee at our exclusive events, we fund the planting of native trees throughout Australia. This initiative has resulted in the planting of over 2,700 native trees, helping to offset carbon while supporting habitat restoration and biodiversity.

Last month wrapped up the end of the Logicalis global CIO Summit roadshow, culminating in Australia where events were held in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Last month, our global CEO, Bob Bailkoski, visited Sydney and Melbourne for the final two events on the global CIO Summit Roadshow. In his keynote, Bob reflected on a decade of the Logicalis CIO Report, tracing the journey from 2014's "shadow IT" to today's complex landscape of technological growth, cybersecurity, and increasing regulatory and sustainability demands.

In today’s interconnected world, service outages can have serious repercussions for any organisation, affecting operations, customer trust, and even compliance with regulations. Without a clear plan, teams may make rushed decisions under pressure, leading to greater disruptions or prolonged recovery times.

Balancing risk with digital innovation is a critical priority for government departments, agencies, and organisations as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

Logicalis Australia is thrilled to have been named FY24 Dell Technologies Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) Channel Services Partner of the Year and also recognised as the Top Performer of the Year – Solution Provider.

The potential of AI is vast, offering opportunities to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and reshape entire sectors.

I recently attended Gartner Symposium 2024 on the Gold Coast, with Logicalis Australia there in force over the three days to build our brand and have plenty of engaging conversations with customers and prospects.

From September 9th to 11th, the Gartner IT Symposium on the Gold Coast brought together over 2,000 IT professionals, including a large contingent from Logicalis Australia.

Chong-Win Lee (Win) recently became CEO of Logicalis Asia Pacific, after the company combined its Asian and Australian operations in May 2024.

In her latest article, Dina Knight, Chief People Office at Logicalis shares her insights on what women should look out for when considering organisations that will support their career growth. She draws on her experience at Logicalis to outline her top tips, stretching beyond the broad focus on training and skills development.

Sustainability has become a crucial factor in driving enterprise value, but how can C-level executives leverage sustainability to enhance their organisation’s performance, compliance and competitive edge?

Like many Australian companies recently, your IT team may have shifted from on-premises infrastructure or hosted data centres across to public cloud to access the many benefits of hyperscale cloud computing. While this shift has helped to bring processes online and empower a hybrid workforce with computing power at scale, in some cases it has led to unexpected bill shock each month.

Protect your organisation from cyber threats with AI powered security solutions. Enable flexible working while ensuring data privacy and protection. Read Bob Bailkoski's article originally published in Forbes.

Chong-Win Lee (Win) recently became CEO of Logicalis Asia Pacific, after the company combined its Asian and Australian operations in May 2024.

IoT technologies, AI, and advanced data analytics are shaping up as business-critical solutions that can give Australian companies a significant competitive edge.

In today's fast changing business world, sustainability isn’t just an option – it’s a must for all industries, including IT. Leading the charge in sustainability not only benefits the planet but it also affects people and profits, aligning with the concept of the triple bottom line.

IoT technologies, AI, and advanced data analytics are shaping up as business-critical solutions that can give Australian companies a significant competitive edge.

Cloud computing is fast becoming critical for organisations that need to work from anywhere, optimise costs, scale the business up or down, or empower company-wide innovation.

Logicalis has been named leader in two quadrants of the ISG Microsoft ecosystem report.

Cybersecurity is an essential consideration for any organisation undergoing digital transformation. While the focus on cybersecurity in Australia has undoubtedly increased due to rising cybercrime and several high-profile attacks, current trends are causing businesses to rethink their approach.

In the ever-changing landscape of tech leadership, we are pleased to deliver the first Australian CIO Report, offering a localised perspective on the global findings.

The way we work together in modern business has changed in recent years. We're increasingly relying on collaboration and co-delivery with partner organisations to achieve business goals and remain competitive.

For a head of IT or a Chief Security Officer, there's nothing greater than power and control, except perhaps for coming in under budget and on time for a project.

Logicalis, a leading global technology services provider, has released the tenth edition of its annual CIO Report, revealing that artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and cybersecurity remain top priorities for business leaders across Australia and the globe.

Learn from our Logicalis Australia experts about how ChatGPT and AI chatbots could either enable or shake-up your business processes.

For years, the management of IT has been moving away from reactive BAU support (break-fix) and moving towards a more proactive support model. For some organisations the change is still happening; however, for the vast majority, the change has already occurred.

Last week, we proudly received the 2023 Cisco Global Enterprise Networking and Meraki Partner of the Year award during Cisco’s annual Partner Summit. The award recognised Logicalis' global capability in Enterprise networking, with Logicalis Portugal receiving a special mention for their standout contribution to driving Intelligent Connectivity managed services to customers in Portugal.

Last week, we were honoured to receive the inaugural 2023 Cisco Global Sustainability Partner of the Year award during Cisco's Global Partner Summit event in Miami. This prestigious accolade acknowledges Logicalis' exceptional sustainability achievements and success in helping customers reduce the environmental impact of their digital ecosystems across the globe.

Our recent CIO survey shows over half of respondents plan to increase their risk management investment. They also consider malware and ransomware significant risks that their organisations will face in the coming year.

To be able to succeed, leaders need to create environments that can adapt to maximise opportunities, mitigate risks and most importantly be able to scale both securely and sustainably. The key to this is connectivity.

FY23 has been an extraordinary year for Logicalis’s Microsoft partnership. We’ve seen 60% year-on-year growth reflecting our unwavering commitment to helping customers deliver business value through digital transformation.

Employee burnout has become an increasingly alarming concern in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. With the pandemic forcing many employees to work remotely, isolation and blurred boundaries between work and home life have led to a significant increase in burnout cases.

Hear from Logicalis CTO, Toby Alcock, as he describes the challenges customers are facing and how our Digital Fabric Platformm can enable them to drive business outcomes.