Why AI Modernization Requires an Infrastructure-First Strategy
Enterprise AI is advancing fast, but many organizations are hitting a wall. It’s not the models that are holding them back, but the infrastructure that supports them. Fragmented storage, legacy systems, and disjointed data workflows all increase costs and limit results.
At Jeskell, we help organizations modernize the data layer that fuels AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics. Our partnership with IBM gives clients access to enterprise-grade platforms like IBM Storage Scale, IBM Storage Ceph, and watsonx.data, each designed to simplify data management and maximize performance.
Below, we outline five key strategies to help commercial enterprises modernize for scalable, real-world AI.
1. Build Incrementally, But with Intention
You do not need to replace everything at once to modernize effectively. In fact, organizations that take small, strategic steps toward modernization often achieve success faster than those chasing massive overhauls.
Start with what delivers the most immediate performance impact. In most cases, that means improving how data is accessed, moved, and stored, especially unstructured data. By upgrading storage systems to support hybrid cloud and AI workloads, you gain performance without overhauling the entire stack.
Jeskell helps clients identify low-friction, high-impact areas to begin modernization so progress is measurable and aligned with broader business goals.
2. Align Technology with Business Value
Not every modernization project will impact customer experience or operational agility. The key is knowing which ones will.
In a recent Forrester study, the majority of enterprise decision-makers prioritized:
- Customer-facing applications
- Core business systems
- Data management platforms
We recommend beginning with infrastructure that supports these functions directly. Upgrading to unified file and object storage with IBM Storage Ceph or enabling distributed file access with IBM Storage Scale are proven ways to boost performance and unlock more value from your data systems.
3. Assess Your Readiness with Real Metrics
Modernization readiness is measurable. Jeskell uses infrastructure-centric assessments to help you evaluate:
- Data throughput bottlenecks
- I/O latency for AI model training
- Storage resilience for hybrid workloads
- Governance gaps across structured and unstructured data
With a clear picture of your technical posture, you can prioritize upgrades that support scalable and compliant AI.
4. Identify Opportunities by Asking the Right Questions
Modernization is not just about technology. It is about solving the real barriers to growth. The right strategy starts by asking:
- Where is unstructured data slowing us down?
- What systems cannot scale to support current AI or analytics needs?
- Which environments are most costly to maintain or too rigid to evolve?
At Jeskell, we guide our clients through infrastructure discovery sessions that surface answers and highlight opportunity. We help identify areas where enterprise storage, hybrid access, or data lakehouse architecture can make an immediate difference.
5. Operationalize Modernization with Clear Next Steps
Once you have identified opportunities, it is time to define a roadmap. Jeskell works closely with your team to structure a plan that includes:
- Minimum viable infrastructure upgrades
- Proof-of-concept deployment strategies
- Integration timelines for critical workloads
- Training and long-term support
We move from concept to implementation without disrupting daily operations. Every step is designed to help your infrastructure support AI with speed, trust, and resilience.
Modernization is Not a Destination, It is a Competitive Advantage
In today’s economy, your infrastructure is a key differentiator. Jeskell empowers commercial enterprises to modernize with purpose, ensuring your environment is ready for AI at scale.
Whether you are just beginning to explore AI workloads or looking to optimize a maturing strategy, we help you build the infrastructure foundation that supports real business results.
Let’s modernize smarter together. Contact Jeskell to start your roadmap.