AI adoption is straining enterprise networks. Systems built for routine workloads can’t keep up with the scale, latency, and security requirements of modern AI.
NTT DATA and Cisco are partnering to change that. As part of the effort, the two companies backed an IDC InfoBrief that lays out how organizations can modernize networks to handle AI-driven transformation.
Networks as the Foundation for AI
The study makes clear that the network has become a deciding factor in the success of AI initiatives. More than three-quarters of companies now see networking capabilities as a top priority when selecting providers for generative AI infrastructure. Beyond bandwidth and speed, networks must now support secure connectivity, real-time training and inference, and the ability to handle massive data flows without becoming bottlenecks. At the same time, AI is being built directly into network operations, from anomaly detection to self-healing systems that resolve issues before they impact performance.
Dilip Kumar, Global Head, Technology Solutions at NTT DATA told ChannelE2E that many CIOs still view modernization narrowly - “Many CIOs still view network modernization through the lens of cost containment. At NTT DATA, in partnership with Cisco, we’re challenging that narrative by positioning secure networking as a strategic enabler of revenue and innovation – especially for clients scaling AI workloads.”
He added that the company’s AI-powered Software Defined Infrastructure (SDI) services for Cisco products are designed to change the role networks play - “Enterprise networks are no longer just infrastructure – they’re the digital backbone of transformation. Our AI-powered SDI services deliver full-stack observability, predictive alerts and automated compliance. This allows enterprises to shift from reactive operations to proactive, insight-driven decision-making.”
Meeting the Modernization Gap
For enterprises in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, network modernization is no longer optional. Many organizations are entering hardware refresh cycles prompted by AI projects, making this an opportunity to adopt architectures designed for automation, intelligent monitoring, and scale. NTT DATA and Cisco are positioning themselves at this intersection, providing both the infrastructure and the services to turn networking from a constraint into a business advantage.
Kumar emphasized how this shift goes beyond infrastructure upkeep. He says, “We’re also helping clients monetize their network investments through adoption, lifecycle optimization, and unified enterprise agreements. These models reduce operational overhead while enabling scalable, secure AI deployments – from fraud detection in financial services to personalised care in healthcare.”
The Adoption Curve in Regulated Industries
The study also calls out AI-driven operations like anomaly detection and self-healing networks. Adoption timelines, however, differ across industries. Kumar pointed out that healthcare and financial services face unique challenges: “AI-driven operations – like anomaly detection and self-healing networks – are reshaping how industries think about infrastructure. But in sectors like healthcare and financial services, the adoption curve is understandably cautious.”
In his view, progress is happening in targeted areas: “In healthcare, the barriers are real: data trust, disconnected workflows, and clinician resistance. Yet, we’re seeing targeted deployments of AI-based threat intelligence that are already improving care continuity and operational resilience. Financial services are similarly risk-aware but opportunity-rich. AI is being piloted for fraud detection, underwriting, and conversational digital advisors. The focus here is on explainability, auditability, and compliance – ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of trust.”
AI-powered Infrastructure Services
NTT DATA’s intelligent services span advisory, sourcing, deployment, and ongoing management, helping enterprises move from legacy networks to adaptive, AI-ready systems. This includes software-defined infrastructure services that bring automation and AI agents into operations, adoption services to ensure companies see full value from their investments, and managed services to keep data flowing securely from edge to cloud.
Kumar underlined the company’s role - “At NTT DATA, we’re helping clients navigate this curve with AI-powered Infrastructure services that embed observability, automation, and lifecycle management into their core operations. We’re committed to helping our clients make that transition responsibly and effectively.”
With enterprises accelerating AI adoption, networks are becoming both the foundation and the enabler of transformation. The NTT DATA–Cisco partnership is about aligning infrastructure, services, and strategy to help organizations modernize at the pace AI requires.
