3 min readNearly 90% of AI pilots fail. Not because of bad algorithms, but because companies skip the most important step: modernizing their infrastructure. AI success starts with a cloud foundation that’s scalable, secure, and ready for data-driven innovation. Without modernization, your AI investments will stall in “pilot purgatory.” Here’s how to fix it.
But first, why do most AI projects fail?
Organizations often jump into AI without a clear business plan. AI should solve real problems end-to-end. For instance, speeding up software testing is good. But if coding and deployment remain slow, you just create new bottlenecks. The AI investment won't deliver true value.
Legacy systems make this worse. They consume 60%-80% of IT budgets and lack the agility AI demands: fast computing, clean data, and dynamic scaling. Traditional IT falls short.
Modernization is the key to AI success
To make AI work, you need an AI-ready cloud platform. Modern cloud infrastructure provides scalability, security, and cost savings. Historically, modernization took 2-3 years; now with AI, it’s faster. Real-world proof:
built a shared services platform and sped up its modernization by six months. This positioned it to launch and scale new tech rapidly.
also moved from AI pilots to full deployment thanks to a strong cloud foundation with AWS (Amazon SageMaker).
What are the strategies to build your AI-ready foundation?
The report, “Future of AI is Cloud,” is a collaboration between AWS and SoftServe. It details several approaches. Here are two strategies to get you started.
Adopt Cloud-Native AI (CNAI)
CNAI is the blueprint for scalable AI. Our customers use services like Amazon Aurora and SageMaker to build repeatable, secure AI workflows across teams and geographies. CNAI runs on cloud computing. Benefits include:
- Repeatable, secure AI workflows
- Lower TCO, faster time-to-value
- Avoids one-off pilots that don’t scale
Use Platform Engineering
CNAI delivers, but only if it’s built on the right foundation. Platform engineering is that foundation. However, switching to platform engineering takes time, talent, and coordination across teams. SoftServe Adaptive Modernization Platform (SAMP) is one example of a platform that helps you switch faster. Results include:
- Modernization in 4–6 months (not 24)
- Up to 30% lower cloud costs
- 20%–30% productivity gains with Gen AI
Your roadmap to AI growth
Nearly 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled due to inadequate infrastructure. Don't let that be you. Successful AI isn’t luck. It’s built on planning, implementation, and continuous improvement.