AI Drives ANZ Firms to Embrace Unified, Software-Defined Networks for Future Readiness

Businesses across Australia and New Zealand are rapidly overhauling their networks, driven by the massive demands of artificial intelligence and a host of rising operational challenges, according to a fresh report from Information Services Group (ISG) released today. Firms in the region are ditching old-school network setups for modern, software-defined architectures and unified platforms that are designed to handle the intense data traffic and security needs of AI-powered operations. This marks a critical shift as networks are no longer just seen as a way to connect, but as the core engine for AI, security, and the future of distributed business. This urgency comes as ANZ enterprises navigate a complex landscape of hybrid work models, cloud-first application strategies, and significantly heightened cyber risk. Traditional network technologies like MPLS-centric connectivity simply can't keep up with these demands, prompting a swift move towards managed services that incorporate SD-WAN, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models. These new approaches combine automation, service assurance, and integrated security, offering the agility and resilience needed for AI-enabled business processes and distributed operations, which are becoming foundational for competitive advantage. Looking ahead, expect to see even greater investment in AI-assisted network operations and a shift towards more flexible, consumption-based commercial models that offer elastic bandwidth. Providers who can bring all these capabilities together into a single, managed platform will be in high demand, as businesses seek to simplify complex IT environments and ensure consistent performance across diverse settings. This network transformation is also intertwined with broader infrastructure investments, particularly in data centers, as Australia and New Zealand prepare for a truly AI-driven future.