AI-Ready Infrastructure: The Backbone of Global Business Growth

AI is revolutionising global business operations for multinational organisations, driving efficiency, enhancing decisionmaking, and simplifying complex processes. Learn how scalable digital infrastructure—from hybrid cloud to advanced security solutions—enables businesses to fully leverage AI and stay competitive across markets.
AI and automation are foundational for companies aiming to stay competitive, with 79% of corporate strategists viewing them as essential growth drivers, reports Gartner. Yet in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, large corporations often have to balance harnessing AI with ensuring security and compliance across diverse markets. This calls for a robust infrastructure strategy that prioritises scalability, resilience, and compliance..
Why a scalable digital infrastructure matters
More than just an IT asset, digital infrastructure is a fundamental business enabler for multinational organisations (MNCs). 27% of businesses see better performance or more profits from using cloud services and as-a-service tools. For global businesses managing complex cross-border operations, scalability is crucial to maintain flexibility amid regulatory demands. A data-driven infrastructure not only supports AI but also helps with real-time decision-making, operational efficiency, and robust data protection.
Hybrid and multicloud as strategic global imperatives
As global markets demand flexibility, companies increasingly rely on hybrid and multicloud environments. Deloitte notes that hybrid multicloud architectures help organisations scale applications across regions, support compliance, and maintain secure, adaptable infrastructures. Hybrid multicloud solutions not only optimise costs but also support real-time insights—a significant advantage for businesses leveraging AI at scale. This flexibility allows seamless workload transitions and secure operations across complex global environments.
Enhancing data accessibility through colocation
As global organisations expand, the need for low-latency and high-performance networks become critical for their operations. Advanced colocation services from providers like Equinix and Digital Realty offer cloud-adjacent networks, integrating on-premises infrastructure with direct cloud peering. This arrangement enhances compliance, data accessibility, and performance for latency-sensitive applications, ensuring efficient operations.
AI and automation in global operations
AI is reshaping multinational organisations by enabling smarter, data-informed decisions across all operational levels. KPMG’s 2023 Global CEO Outlook reports that over 70% of CIOs consider AI a top priority for strategic decision-making.
AI-ready in decision-making
Predictive algorithms can analyse global market trends, forecast demand, and even identify new growth opportunities. This helps businesses to stay competitive as real-time decision-making is enhanced across all levels of operations, from supply chain optimisation to marketing strategies. AI also supports advanced data analytics, which companies can leverage to monitor production, optimise customer experiences, and improve resource allocation. However, these capabilities demand signicant processing power and low-latency networks to handle vast data sets efficiently.
Automation of global operations
Organisations are using AI to automate essential tasks across nance, HR, and supply chain management, which results in cost savings and operational efficiencies. From automating invoice processing to real-time inventory management, AI empowers businesses to operate smoothly. Automation reduces the complexity of managing global operations by streamlining workows, optimising resources, and minimising manual intervention. A robust infrastructure ensures AI applications run efficiently and can adapt to the evolving demands of global operations.
Security and compliance in the age of AI
As businesses integrate AI, cybersecurity and compliance become top concerns. Deloitte reports that hybrid and multicloud adoption heightens cyber risks with global frameworks, such as GDPR and CCPA, imposing stringent requirements on data management.
Cybersecurity in an MNC environment
As global organisations expand their digital operations, securing user identities has become a top priority. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit compromised credentials to gain unauthorised access to sensitive systems and data. To prevent breaches and ensure operational continuity, businesses require robust identity security frameworks that prioritise access control and authentication at every touchpoint. Advanced solutions like identity and access management (IAM) and zero trust network access (ZTNA) play a vital role in addressing these challenges. These systems adapt in real-time to potential threats, ensuring only verified users can access critical resources. By embedding identity security at the core of their cybersecurity strategy, businesses can enhance trust, maintain compliance with evolving regulations, and address emerging risks effectively.
Compliance and regulatory adherence
MNCs operate in complex regulatory environments, with countries imposing various compliance regulations such as GDPR in Europe and data residency laws in other regions. A strong cybersecurity framework can help achieve regulatory compliance without sacrificing operational efficiency. By leveraging colocation and hybrid multicloud services that offer regional compliance, MNCs can ensure data protection while continuing to innovate.
Telstra’s role in supporting global enterprises
Telstra International equips global organisations with AI-ready infrastructure and secure, high-performance connectivity to drive growth and streamline operations. By offering scalable cloud, network, and security solutions, Telstra helps simplify complex cross-border activities to enable organisations to focus on what matters most—their business.
Global connectivity for seamless operations
With Telstra’s high-performance global network, featuring over 400,000 km of subsea cables and extensive in-region presence, organisations gain reliable, robust connectivity across continents. This infrastructure supports real-time data flow and decision-making, facilitating seamless cross-border collaborations that are essential for maintaining global operational efficiency.
Colocation for secure, low-latency solutions
Telstra’s colocation services provide organisations with access to over 600 managed, partnered, and sustainable-focused data centres worldwide. Strategically located, these facilities offer secure data storage, low-latency connectivity, and compliance with local regulations, ensuring organisations can process data swiftly and maintain the security needed for AI-driven applications.
The future of AI-driven global organisations
As businesses adopt AI-driven processes and automation, having a resilient digital infrastructure can put enterprises at the forefront of staying competitive in a complex international market. Technology solutions providers like Telstra can support enterprises with the scalable networks, hybrid multicloud environments, and robust cybersecurity frameworks needed to navigate today’s digital landscape confidently.