CIOs are under pressure from all sides. In 2025, they’re expected to drive digital transformation, enable AI adoption and harness the full potential of cloud. All while keeping the business secure, compliant and in control of where data resides.
Amongst these priorities, cybersecurity is their top concern. Almost half (41%) of CIOs worldwide say it’s their greatest challenge. High-profile breaches continue to dominate headlines and regulatory frameworks like NIS2 and DORA are raising the bar. Geopolitical pressures are forcing IT leaders to rethink how and where data is stored and the pressure to fully-implement AI despite more data and security concerns is mounting. Our latest brand research which surveyed over 1,000 IT decision makers revealed that cybersecurity and threat detection tops their key AI investment areas.
It’s clear that decisions around architecture, compliance and risk are more critical than ever and CIOs must get the balance right. Cloud offers powerful capabilities to empower CIOs and provide solutions to combat challenges such as security, but it can also add complexity. There is no single ‘right’ cloud model after all, but with a clear strategy, cloud isn’t just manageable, it can be transformational.
For CIOs, the real question today isn’t ‘Can we move to the cloud?’ but ‘What’s the safest, smartest way to do it based on our risk profile, compliance needs and business goals?’
To make that shift successfully, CIOs need more than just technology, they need a guide. A partner who can ask the right questions, avoid common pitfalls and help them navigate the road ahead, so they can achieve their digital business goals.
Why cloud still holds the key
In 2025, cloud remains one of the most powerful tools at a CIO’s disposal, particularly when it comes to security. Modern cloud platforms offer built-in capabilities like encryption, identity and access management, and AI-powered threat detection that are now standard. These technologies, combined with the scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud, often surpass what’s achievable with on-premise infrastructure.
Private and hybrid models can be tailored to support data sovereignty and regulatory compliance, without sacrificing flexibility or agility. And with scalable compute power and advanced analytics, cloud enables businesses to unlock value from their data more intelligently and securely than ever before.
But the real power of cloud lies in how it’s brought together, securely, strategically and in a way that aligns with the unique contours of your business. Gartner predicts that 25% of organisations will experience frustration in cloud adoption projects by 2028, but that a cloud strategy and effective execution can help them remain competitive and reduce dissatisfaction.
A trusted guide makes the difference
CIOs don’t need more complexity. They need clarity, confidence and a partner who can help them navigate through the noise.
Colt is known for its secure, high-performance connectivity, but we’ve evolved. Today, we’re a trusted guide for businesses embarking on cloud transformation. Through consultancy and managed services, we help businesses design and manage secure, compliant cloud strategies, tailored to their specific needs.
Whether you’re building a hybrid environment, navigating new regulations, or adopting AI in a safe and responsible way, we can support you at every stage, so cloud becomes a source of competitive advantage, not operational risk.
Contact us today to get started.