Coffee Talk with Hitachi Vantara: AI, Infrastructure & What's Next

We caught up with Dennis Frank of Hitachi Vantara to talk AI growing pains, smarter modernization, and what CIOs should be thinking about heading into 2027.

Everyone's talking about AI. The possibilities, the investments, the pressure to innovate.

But there's one question that deserves a little more attention: Is the infrastructure behind it all actually ready?

We recently welcomed Hitachi Vantara to the Premier community for a three-part Virtual Forum series exploring AI-ready infrastructure, cyber resilience, and the technology challenges facing today's IT leaders.

Along the way, we caught up with Dennis Frank, VP of EMEA Strategic Partners and Alliances at Hitachi Vantara, for a little coffee talk about what he's hearing from CIOs and where organizations may be missing the mark.

Here's what stood out.

First Things First: Who Is Hitachi Vantara?

For those who haven't crossed paths with them yet, Hitachi Vantara helps organizations build AI-ready, cyber-resilient data infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

In simpler terms? They help organizations make sure their data is accessible, secure, and ready to support whatever comes next.

And with AI putting new demands on enterprise infrastructure, that foundation is becoming increasingly important.

The AI Hype Is Real. So Are the Growing Pains.

According to Dennis, CIOs are juggling quite a bit these days.

AI adoption. Growing data volumes. Cybersecurity. Modernization. Budgets. And, of course, the constant pressure to demonstrate ROI.

Sound familiar?

One of the biggest challenges is something that doesn't always get the spotlight: data readiness.

Hitachi Vantara's research found that while 59% of organizations say high-quality data is the most important factor in AI success, only 42% consider themselves sufficiently data-mature to support AI at scale.

That's quite a gap.

As Dennis explains, an AI pilot using a limited data set in a controlled environment is one thing. Scaling that same initiative across an enterprise, where information lives in different systems and environments, is a whole different ballgame.

Data fragmentation, accessibility, governance, and performance can quickly become roadblocks.

The takeaway? AI is only as ready as the data and infrastructure supporting it.

Modernization Doesn't Always Mean More Technology.

Here's something we particularly loved hearing.

When IT leaders talk modernization, the conversation often turns to new platforms, new tools, and big investments.

But Dennis says some of the most meaningful improvements can come from getting more out of what organizations already have.

Better visibility across infrastructure. Automating routine tasks. Consolidating systems. Reducing overprovisioning. Making smarter decisions about where data and workloads belong.

Sometimes the answer isn't adding another layer of technology. It's simplifying what you've already built.

And with IT budgets under constant scrutiny, that's a pretty refreshing perspective.

What's One Thing CIOs Should Be Thinking About Heading Into 2027?

Dennis expects the shift from AI experimentation to production to accelerate significantly.

And with that comes a change in the questions IT leaders need to ask.

Instead of simply asking whether an organization can build an AI solution, the bigger question becomes whether it can run that solution reliably, securely, and economically at scale.

When we asked Dennis what advice he'd give a CIO if he had five minutes over coffee, his answer was refreshingly simple:

"Start with the business outcome, not the technology."

Before making a major AI investment, understand what you're trying to accomplish, what data you'll need, and whether your infrastructure can actually support it.

Because a successful pilot is great. An AI initiative that delivers real business value? Even better.

More Conversations Ahead at the Premier Table

We're excited to have Hitachi Vantara joining the Premier community for three Virtual Forums, bringing practical insights and real-world perspectives to some of the biggest challenges facing enterprise IT.

Following our kickoff conversation on AI-ready infrastructure, we're turning our attention to another critical topic: cyber resilience.

On Thursday, October 15, at 12 PM ET, Hitachi Vantara and Brocade will join us to explore ransomware, recovery readiness, and why traditional backup strategies alone may not be enough.

Because when a cyberattack happens, it's not just about having your data backed up. It's about how quickly and confidently you can get your business running again.

Join Our Next Virtual Forum → Could Your Business Recover From a Ransomware Attack Tomorrow?

If you missed Part I in this three-part series, click the link below to request the recording!
AI Starts with Infrastructure: What Enterprise Architects Must Modernize First
Request Recording Here

Thanks to Dennis Frank and the Hitachi Vantara team for joining the Premier community and sharing their perspective. We're looking forward to continuing the conversation!