AHEAD And Dell Supporting AI Ready Infrastructure

Enterprise teams are modernizing infrastructure while balancing power, security and the growing demands of AI. At Dell Technologies World, those priorities were front and center as partners discussed how customers are reshaping the data center for real-world workloads. CRNtv host Kena Johnson spoke with Stephen Ayoub, President, AHEAD, about how organizations are aligning infrastructure, data protection and AI outcomes with Dell Technologies.

Kena Johnson: As more customers modernize their data centers, what are you seeing, and how is AI shaping those conversations?

Stephen Ayoub: AI is playing a key role. When we talk about data center modernization, power is top of mind for every CIO and CFO. Customers are consolidating workloads to reserve power while keeping core counts low to maximize software value. More cores mean more expensive software, so we are seeing customers focus on server consolidation and standardizing on AMD products to maximize compute power. That leads directly into AI. AI workloads are very different from traditional ones, so customers are looking at liquid cooling and new ways to manage power. There is a strong focus on making sure these investments deliver value.

Kena Johnson: As data and AI increase, data protection becomes critical. Why is that, and what helps organizations recover faster?

Stephen Ayoub: This has become a boardroom conversation. It is no longer just a security team discussion. Every CEO and CIO we talk to wants to know not only how data is secured, but how quickly it can be recovered. They want a platform approach instead of siloed solutions. When an attack happens, the question is response time and how fast the business can get back to serving customers. Dell Technologies takes a foundational approach to securing the enterprise, and that is what executives want. They want a company that stands behind its products and supports recovery.

Kena Johnson: How is AHEAD helping customers turn AI into real results with Dell Technologies?

Stephen Ayoub: The conversation used to start with IT. Now it starts with the business. We are talking with marketing teams, sales teams, and data teams. People are not looking for AI as a technology. They are looking for business transformation. Some are focused on cost savings, but many are focused on revenue growth, customer retention and understanding client needs. In research environments, it is about moving faster and solving real problems. We start by understanding what the business is trying to achieve. Then we bring in the technology, the data specialists, and the right Dell platforms to support those goals. That is what CEOs, CIOs and boards expect, and that is where we focus our work.

To learn more about Dell Technologies World and partner stories, visit dt.crndigitalnewsroom.com.