- You are more likely to see ROI from AI after modernizing your applications, according to Cloudflare report
- Security should also be integrated into your strategy for a more holistic approach
- Most leaders think their infrastructure is good enough – don’t be one of them
Cloudflare warned that legacy systems are blocking AI progress and increasing cybersecurity risks, creating what’s known as a “technical glass ceiling” – but that’s OK, as an effective modernization strategy could lead the way.
The company’s latest report claims that businesses that have modernized their applications are three times more likely to see clear ROI from AI tools than those limited by outdated infrastructure.
At this point, almost all (93%) of the more than 2,300 IT, security, product, and engineering leaders surveyed agree that updating software is the most important factor in improving AI capabilities.
AI is held back by existing applications and infrastructure
Cloudflare also highlighted the importance of considering security in its modernization strategies, noting that those that do so are four times more likely to achieve advanced AI maturity. Security has been defined as a “growth multiplier” rather than just a protection tool.
Despite an 85% reduction in infrastructure confidence among those who delayed upgrading, they still don’t see it as an incentive to upgrade, with many left with a reactive approach of only upgrading after experiencing a security breach.
The report also covers other “costs” associated with leveraging older technologies, including higher maintenance costs, slower innovation, a shortage of talented developers, and increased exposure to cyberattacks.
Looking ahead, four in five executives plan to double down on the integration of AI into their current application portfolios over the next year, but they may not achieve the success they hoped for, with 95% (perhaps incorrectly) believing their infrastructure is sufficient for AI development.
Some of the most popular applications for AI include improving internal workflows (79%), powering content-driven applications (73%), and supporting revenue-generating initiatives (66%).
In short, integrating security into modernization from the start and not viewing modernization as a reactive strategy of last resort is essential to getting the most out of AI.
Follow TechRadar on Google News And add us as your favorite source to get our news, reviews and expert opinions in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp Also.




