Our expertise extends beyond Microsoft; we are also an advanced AWS Consulting partner, reflecting our deep commitment to cloud technologies. In 2021, we published our own Cloud Report, which highlighted the challenges, benefits and best practices of cloud migration. Our report found that over 75% of C-level executives found cloud migration to be a challenging task, with more than 80% choosing to partner with IT experts like us to navigate this complex journey.

Since then, the cloud landscape has continued to evolve, and so have the strategies for optimising business outcomes through hybrid migration. As part of our commitment to mastering the evolving cloud, we recently put together a roundtable discussion with industry-leading experts on cloud migration.

Roundtable guest speakers:

• Ian Moyse: Event host and Cloud Industry Influencer
• David Terrar: CEO of Cloud Industry Forum (CIF)
• Richard Simon: Chief Technology Officer at T-Systems
• Victor Popescu: Head of Solutions Architecture at SteelEye
• Adam Gaca: VP of Cloud at Future Processing

Multi-cloud strategy and vendor lock-in

Multi-cloud strategies have become a crucial approach for businesses seeking to mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in. By diversifying their cloud usage across multiple providers, organisations can avoid the limitations and potential dependencies associated with relying on a single vendor.

This type of ‘lock in’ to a single vendor is commonplace across the industry, with companies historically having bought certain products in the past, only to find that now, they are not able to (easily) transition away from them. By utilising a multi-cloud strategy, it enhances flexibility, ensuring that businesses are not constrained by the specific offerings or policies of any one single provider.

Adopting a multi-cloud strategy enables companies to choose the public and cloud-native services that fit their operations the best, meeting their business needs while remaining flexible and primed for innovation.

In addition, companies seek to avoid lock-in by creating an ‘abstraction layer’ of technologies and solutions, allowing them to regain control of their governance of all public clouds through automation, delivery, security, observability, and DevOps from public cloud providers. This ensures that organisations maintain a consistent and manageable infrastructure, regardless of which cloud providers are in use.

Benefits and risks of hybrid cloud and multi-cloud strategies

The primary advantage of a hybrid or multi-cloud strategy is to take advantage of the flexibility this approach offers and choose the most suitable services to suit a company’s business needs.

This allows businesses to:

• select the best cloud environment for each specific workload,
• enhance operational efficiency,
• provide more opportunities for innovation.

This approach is especially beneficial for larger enterprises that need to balance various regulatory, compliance and performance requirements across different regions or sectors.

As Adam Gaca pointed out in our roundtable discussion, adopting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies adds layers of complexity that must be carefully managed. Organisations must ensure that their multiple cloud environments are properly connected via secure and reliable networks, and that they have a robust cloud governance framework in place to manage compliance across these environments.

This can be particularly challenging when dealing with compliance requirements in multiple regions or sectors, as each cloud provider may have different policies and service offerings, which makes managing these environments a challenge. 

While the core concepts of cloud services might be similar across providers, the specific tools, interfaces and features can vary significantly. This means companies need to maintain a skilled team of reliable partners who can navigate the intricacies of each platform effectively, underscoring the importance of careful planning and ongoing management to ensure that the benefits of a hybrid or multi-cloud strategy are fully realised.

Another consideration is the evolving nature of cloud services and the steps providers are taking to address the risks of vendor lock-in. For example, recent moves by providers like Google to reduce (or even remove) costs associated with transferring data out of their platforms reflect a growing recognition of the importance of interoperability.

As cloud adoption continues to increase, these aspects have matured, offering businesses more tools and options to manage the complexities of hybrid and multi-cloud environments effectively. However, these benefits can only be leveraged with a clear understanding of the potential challenges and a well-defined strategy to navigate them.

While logic would dictate that cloud vendors are all too happy to take care of 100% of a company’s cloud services, they are not oblivious to the potential risks of being solely responsible and not being able to offer every single service the business needs. To mitigate this issue, cloud providers offer numerous options for connecting aspects of a business’s cloud to other providers or services, as part of their own offering.

Cloud technology usage statistics from the Cloud Industry Forum’s report

Recent statistics from the 2024 Cloud Industry Forum 2024 Report highlight the widespread adoption of cloud technology, with 100% of surveyed organisations declaring that they are now utilising cloud services in some capacity.

This data reflects a broader trend in the industry, where businesses are increasingly moving towards flexible, multi-cloud environments to meet their diverse needs. The widespread use of cloud technology underscores its critical role in modern business operations and the importance of adopting strategies that maximise its potential.

Key Statistics from the 2024 Cloud Industry Forum Report

What’s more, 37% of businesses said that between 40-60% of their IT infrastructure is hosted in the cloud while 29% of respondents reported that they host 60-80% of their IT assets in this manner.

David Terrar believes that companies’ move towards hybrid and multiple cloud environments makes perfect sense, as there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Going all in with a single provider involves more inherent risk, so spreading this risk across multiple environments is the sensible and (evidently) widespread approach. More options mean more opportunities for innovation and creating value.

Skills and expertise for hybrid and multi-cloud implementation

Adopting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies requires companies to be technological experts in a wider range of skills and expertise than if they were to simply use one single solution. After all, being an expert in one technology is much easier than being an expert in many. This means that businesses need to maintain staff with a diverse set of skills, which can be more costly, yet ultimately effective in achieving their business goals.

While having certified professionals on board is crucial, the real differentiator is how these skills are applied within an organisation’s specific context. The processes that companies apply when utilising their skillsets are key because, as Richard Simon touched on in our roundtable discussion, “the processes are the glue that holds all of your company’s skills and expertise together.” There are so many different ways of doing each task, therefore, the standardisation of processes and approaches is key to a successful adoption strategy of hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

When implementing these processes, an incremental approach to cloud adoption, which aligns with existing capabilities and business objectives, can lead to more successful outcomes. The first step is to identify what tools and processes need to be implemented first for an agile, quick adoption that is beneficial to customers, then build out from this point.

Read more about various aspects of cloud adoption:

• How to implement cloud computing?
• Cloud collaboration unveiled: transforming modern workspaces
• The Cloud FinOps Guide: mastering cloud finances

Challenges in re-architecting

Adam Gaca provided some insightful thoughts on the challenges of re-architecting applications for the cloud, which he described as a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. 

One of the primary challenges lies in evaluating the complexity of existing applications and determining their suitability for cloud migration. Not all applications are easily transferable to the cloud, and businesses must assess whether re-architecting will deliver tangible benefits in terms of:

• performance,
• scalability,
• cost efficiency.

Another significant challenge is the need to balance cost considerations with business outcomes. While moving to the cloud can offer substantial benefits, such as improved agility and faster time-to-market, the initial costs associated with re-architecting can be high.

For example, there have been a number of key ‘risks’ in recent years, including the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, as well as the pandemic. Companies who felt the need to remove various operations due to these issues were faced with the task of deciding where to migrate their tools and services, but this came with heavy cost and time considerations. To work smartly, the cloud was an obvious answer, but cost considerations and deploying the required level of skills and expertise are key.

Organisations must consider the return on investment, weighing the long-term advantages against the upfront expenses. For example, ‘lifting and shifting’ applications to the cloud may resolve immediate business issues, but without careful planning, it can lead to higher ongoing costs if the applications are not optimised for the cloud environment.

The process of re-architecting often requires significant changes to an organisation’s existing infrastructure and operating model. This can introduce risks related to service continuity and data integrity during the migration process. Additionally, there may be a need for new skills and expertise to manage the re-architected environment, which can further complicate the transition.

Businesses must consider the potential impact on end users, who can potentially be negatively impacted by any disruption to critical services during the re-architecting process, affecting customer satisfaction and business operations.

Path of cloud adoption

Adopting a cloud strategy is not a one-size-fits-all process; it requires a tailored approach that takes into account the unique needs and constraints of each particular organisation. For many businesses, especially those with complex legacy systems, a gradual, step-by-step approach is most effective. 

As Victor Popescu described in our roundtable discussion, it is important to move aspects of the business bit by bit, ensuring that key core aspects are migrated first and automated successfully, then building on these as effectively as possible. Business continuity is key, as it’s not possible to ‘pause operations’ until the migration process is complete. Companies can be successful by ensuring they have a great architect to oversee the move, who then puts in place a core team of skilled senior staff to implement the migration.

Company shareholders need to understand the value of this transition in order to feel comfortable in assigning the necessary funds for the move. This requires effective communications of the cloud adoption strategy and a detailed roadmap of the transition that doesn’t affect current operations (as much as possible). It is important to demonstrate the value of the migration, ensuring that as the organisation becomes more comfortable with the new environment, it can gradually adopt more advanced cloud-native practices.

Summary

The massive increase in hybrid and multi-cloud strategies is evident, driven by the need for businesses to achieve greater flexibility, resilience, react to world events and avoid vendor lock-in. However, cloud-first approaches come with their own set of challenges such as cost and skills implications, mitigating interruptions to current services, governance, and the sheer complexity of managing multiple cloud environments. 

Re-architecting applications for the cloud further amplifies these challenges, requiring a balance between cost, technical feasibility and business outcomes. While it is clear that a multi-faceted cloud strategy is the best way forward in this modern world, to realise the benefits of this approach requires complex and careful planning and integration. The technology is already here, and now companies must ensure they choose the best path to harness these valuable cloud tools to suit their operations.

If you would like to watch our full roundtable discussion with our four industry-leading cloud experts, follow this link to head over to our IT Insights Hub. 

With over 20 years of expertise in data harmonisation, digital solutions, consulting, AI, and cloud services, Future Processing is the ideal partner to bring your digital initiatives to life. We work closely with you to understand your vision and transform it into reality. Interested in discovering how our industry-leading services can benefit your business? Reach out to us today, and let’s explore the best solutions tailored to your unique needs.

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Moderated by Saxon East, the roundtable explored the challenges and opportunities of aligning digital strategies with cultural change within insurance organisations. The participants shared their insights into how insurers can foster a culture of innovation, embrace digital technologies, and adapt to the evolving insurance industry landscape.

From the thought-provoking discussion, here are 5 key takeaways:

1. Revolutionising the customer experience through digitalisation
2. Enhancing service delivery and cost reduction through digital tools
3. The pinnacle of digitalisation: innovating with AI
4. Mitigating risks in novel service development
5. Insurers’ innovation reputation and navigating change

Revolutionising the customer experience through digitalisation

Digital’s impact on customer experience was the first question experts discussed. Evangelos Avramakis pointed out that right now the real challenge lies in claims handling, servicing, quotes, and product management.

As Mike Gilpin emphasised, common platforms can revolutionise data sharing by offering tailored service spectrums that streamline insurance products.

Dawid Glawdzin echoed the sentiment, focusing on time-saving efficiencies and the burgeoning trend of customised offerings: “We’re seeing more and more custom-made offerings on the market, resulting in a custom-made approach”, Mr Glawdzin said.

Also, Lauren Stables advocated for a modular approach to product development: “Customers seek customised insurance that aligns with their specific needs and is presented clearly and understandably; they desire tailored products and documents.” In her opinion, building products in a modular fashion allows customers to purchase insurance tailored precisely to their risk exposure.

Read more about Digital Transformation:

• 10 companies with successful digital transformation [examples]
• Why are digitisation, digitalisation & digital transformation crucial steps in business development?
• 10 biggest mistakes during Digital Transformation
• How to create an effective digital transformation strategy?

Enhancing service delivery and cost reduction through digital tools

The discussion focused on the transformative potential of digital tools. Dawid Glawdzin highlighted the significance of faster risk assessment and quicker launches facilitated by advanced technologies such as low/no-code solutions. He also highlighted the pivotal role of data standardisation and cleansing, significantly reducing product configuration time.

Lauren Stables discussed insurers’ digital investments and highlighted the advantages of this approach to operational efficiency and data organisation. Stables noted that digital adoption enables insurers to collect more structured data, aiding in analysis and response to emerging trends.

Mike Gilpin emphasised the immediate accessibility of services through digital transformation initiatives and their role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Evangelos Avramakis said, however, that customer engagement will remain challenging.

The pinnacle of digitalisation: innovating with AI

AI integration into insurance emerged as a pivotal theme. Lauren Stables shed light on AI’s role in property valuation and IoT sensors, foreseeing a paradigm shift in risk evaluation and real-time data acquisition. According to Mike Gilpin, AI has multifaceted applications, such as claims assessment and voice analysis, to expedite the fair resolution of claims.

Dawid Glawdzin discussed the potential of Generative AI for customer-facing solutions, including its ability to expedite customer interactions. One example provided by the expert was a chatbot connected to policy wording documents that delivered detailed answers to detailed questions within seconds.

Another example would be Copilot, a tool that provides developers with real-time code suggestions to complete tasks faster and more efficiently:

• GitHub Copilot speeding up developers work by 30% – a case study
• The pros and cons of using GitHub Copilot for software development – survey results

Mitigating risks in novel service development

In addition to addressing accessibility concerns, the discussion illuminated the challenges of developing new services, such as the potential drawbacks of rapid AI-driven advances.

Premature product development could lead to the loss of human interaction and touch. Artificial intelligence decision-making processes may overlook individual circumstances, resulting in inaccurate recommendations. Dawid Glawdzin warned against rapid technological developments compromising human interaction. As Mike Gilpin pointed out, insurance companies must strike a balance between innovation and inclusivity to remain competitive.

In light of Evangelos Avramakis’ mention of the impact of digital transformation on internal roles and customer experiences, Lauren Stables advocated for comprehensive upskilling and engagement strategies. In her view, “customers might lack the technical capabilities or necessary equipment to access digitised products, thus missing out on the benefits these platforms offer.”

Insurers’ innovation reputation and navigating change

Some argue that insurers have not historically excelled at fostering a culture of innovation and change. The insights from the discussion highlighted insurers’ traditionally cautious approach to innovation, anticipating a forthcoming shift catalysed by global changes and technological advancements.

It was Lauren Stables’ observation that some specific gaps in engagement prevented the adoption of technology within the industry, while Dawid Glawdzin predicted that innovative technologies would be rapidly adopted by insurers, especially when they were applied effectively to customers, indicating an imminent transformation.

Echoing this sentiment, Evangelos Avramakis emphasised the power of integrating valuable customer interactions, allowing technology to streamline other aspects.

As the entire roundtable discussion demonstrated, digital transformation and cultural change are inevitable and occurring faster than expected in the insurance industry.

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A panel of experts from the insurance industry discussed the opportunities and challenges arising from the influx of data. A roundtable hosted by Saxon East featured keynote speakers Ian Thomas, Head of Data at Aurora Insurances, Artur Niemczewski, NED at the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Krzysztof Nykiel, Head of Data Solutions at Future Processing, offering valuable insights into the changing insurance landscape.

The triad of challenges: cost, collection, and management

The discussion opened with an examination of the primary challenges facing insurance companies. As Ian Thomas pointed out, sourcing, transforming, and serving data are key components of this data-driven journey in commercial lines. “Sourcing data involves amalgamating internal data while leveraging external enrichment sources,” Ian stated. In his view, the integration of location, financial, and governmental data unveils new dimensions for insurers to understand and assess risks comprehensively.

Krzysztof Nykiel emphasised the significance of transforming data, emphasising data quality as the linchpin. “We will face the explosion of vast data that is being transformed. Ingested into our systems, it will be exploding even more soon. The challenge here is to design a system capable of handling this additional data input, this constantly growing majority of data.”

Big data has been discussed for years in the insurance industry, but now its implications are becoming more understandable.

Navigating ethical boundaries and ensuring data privacy

As the conversation veered towards ethics and safety, concerns regarding customer data protection emerged as a focal point. The speakers emphasised the paramount importance of maintaining trust and transparency. Mr Thomas underlined the significance of corporate values aligning with actions to build and retain trust among customers: “Reputation risk is critical. Companies must adhere to their stated values to retain credibility.”

Artur Niemczewski pointed out that private data is well-guarded in the UK and the EU, as GDPR is a powerful regulation and the Information Commissioner (ICO) has vast powers. In Mr Niemczewski’s view, insurance professionals should be confident about stringent data protection regulations.

As well as emphasising the importance of ethical considerations in insurance professionals’ digital practices, Mr Niemczewski recalled that the CII has published a “Digital Ethics Companion” since 2019 to assist insurance professionals in understanding ethical issues when they undertake digital work.

As Krzysztof Nykiel explained, to harness valuable insights from algorithms, it’s crucial to train them using appropriate data while ensuring stringent privacy measures.

Hence, it’s essential to establish data governance frameworks to discern who within the organisation has access to specific data, restricting it to the absolute minimum required for their duties.

In Mr Nykiel’s words: “Tools like data cataloguing enable tracking the organisational data inventory, while data governance involves implementing robust security measures and conducting risk assessments to anticipate potential leaks or breaches. Addressing these technical aspects is paramount when developing data processing or artificial intelligence systems aimed at enhancing insights and improving decision-making processes.”

A glimpse into the future: data processing in a decade

Speaking about the near future, AI and machine learning will revolutionise the insurance industry’s future data processing, the speakers predicted.

Ian Thomas compared the inexorable rise in the value of data and its applications to the unfathomable advancements in AI technologies over the past decade. “With the breakthroughs in ML and AI, data will be used in a more valuable way than it has ever been before.”

“It’s hard to predict what’s around the corner in the next ten years,” admitted Krzysztof Nykiel. “Certainly, Artificial Intelligence will become more sophisticated and increasingly help us in making proper decisions. So, faster speeds and more sizes will be necessary. Customers already expect faster operations, better customer care, and more precise information concerning insurance policy issues. Real-time processing is already in place or just around the corner, and it will be utilised by more industries to provide better operations and faster responses. We’re looking at developing algorithms based on millions of real conversations. These algorithms, when trained and integrated appropriately, yield promising outcomes.”

As insurers navigate the data deluge, Future Processing’s Roundtable provided a comprehensive roadmap, emphasising the importance of harnessing data’s potential while safeguarding the privacy and trust of their customers.

It is at the crossroads of technological innovation and ethical responsibility that the future of insurance lies, a path that carries both challenges and opportunities in equal measure.

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Voice assistants: a game-changer for users 50 and above

Have voice assistants become trusted companions for tasks both large and small? For a third of the UK’s elderly population, the answer seems to be yes. From setting appointment reminders and shopping lists to answering burning questions or simply playing their favourite song, AI voice assistants are revolutionising the way older generations handle everyday tasks.

Moreover, as technology becomes more and more user-friendly, seniors are not only using AI voice assistants but actively relying on them. This not only makes them more comfortable but also highlights the importance of inclusive technology solutions that cater to all age groups. As a matter of fact, it proves that technology knows no age limits and is accessible to everyone.

Chatbots: revolutionising user experiences for older adults

How about more interesting facts about AI tools used by British people over 50? Based on our survey, a staggering 40% of British consumers over the age of 50 are already using chatbots to provide customer service, and also plan to continue doing so in the future.

These results highlight the willingness of seniors to use innovative solutions to their daily needs. Once considered a novelty, customer service chatbots have become trusted allies in tasks such as resolving queries, tracking deliveries, and seeking technical support. This figure also reflects older consumers’ expectations for an even more seamless and efficient customer experience in the coming years.

Overall, this statistic emphasises the resiliency of older generations in embracing technological advances. It highlights the importance of user-friendly interfaces and accessible digital solutions tailored to different age groups, ensuring everyone can benefit from the convenience and efficiency that technology offers.

The 50+ generation and AI image generators

Awareness of disinformation in the digital age is growing, but is this fact also known to British respondents to our survey? The research shows that over 35% of this demographic are unaware of what an AI image generator is. These statistics may be disturbing. At the same time, this result highlights the urgent need for comprehensive digital skills initiatives tailored specifically to older generations.

In an era where manipulated visualisations can deceive, it’s crucial for people to understand the concept of AI image generators. These tools have the potential to create convincing, if completely fabricated, images, raising concerns about their ethical implications. This data highlights the urgent need to fill the knowledge gap, ensuring seniors have the awareness and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

Unveiling gender disparities in AI adoption

Now let’s take a closer look at the results of the survey. The research on the adoption of artificial intelligence tools reveals intriguing gender disparities among respondents. For men, 45% said they did not currently use or plan to use it, reflecting some reservations towards AI technology. Notably, 21% admitted they had no idea about these tools, 18% were forward-thinking, and 17% had previous experience with AI applications.

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On the other hand, women’s responses indicate a different tendency. A significant 42% of women reported no current or planned use, suggesting a similarly cautious approach. A significant 34% were unsure about AI-based tools, signalling a potential need for more accessible education. In contrast, 13% had previous experience and 11% anticipated future use.

Exploring age-dependent trends in AI tool adoption

Additionally, our survey research reveals interesting dependencies between age groups among British respondents. In the 50-59 age group, 38% said they did not currently use or plan to use it, and 28% admitted they didn’t know what these tools were. In contrast, 18% had previous experience and 16% anticipated future use.

Among the 60-69 age group, statistics showed a higher rate of tool non-use – 46% did not express current or planned involvement, and 29% were not familiar with AI tools. However, there was a noticeable interest in future adoption at 14%, with 12% having previous experience.

In the 70-79 age group, the tendency to not use it was even more pronounced – 54% did not declare any current or planned involvement. A significant 28% had no idea about AI-based tools, only 10% expressed interest in their future adoption, and 8% had previous experience.

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Future Processing’s vision for AI education and empowerment

Artificial intelligence holds the potential to shape our future in ways that are beyond our wildest imaginations. However, the risk of digital exclusion looms large, which can only exacerbate the existing social inequalities. It’s this realisation that drives our belief that technology companies bear a moral responsibility to educate the public about AI’s limitless possibilities, the opportunities it presents, and the potential threats it carries.

Hence, why not take advantage of AI’s potential with us? If you’re an individual over 50 seeking guidance on harnessing AI tools, Future Processing is here to support you. Visit our Understand AI website, where we’ve crafted a digital haven tailored to users aged 50 and above. Delve into our company’s blog for expert insights, practical advice, and the latest trends in AI technology. Reach out today with any questions or doubts you have. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself in the digital age; join us on this exciting journey today!

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AI concerns uncovered: insights from 50+ Users

In our study, participants were categorised into three age groups: 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79. One of the key questions in the survey was: What are the main worries that plague the minds of respondents like Sharon? According to their respective age groups, we learned some interesting things. Let’s explore the main concerns about AI technology that the 50+ generation might have.

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Key Insights from the 50-59 Age Group

Among those aged 50-59, the top concerns regarding AI include a strong focus on security, a preference for human interaction, and an emphasis on data privacy:

• Security: Leading the charge, 41% of individuals in this group voiced their apprehensions about AI’s security. They want their digital interactions to be ironclad.
• Prefer interacting with a human: Following closely behind, 37% preferred good old-fashioned human interaction when it comes to complex tasks or emotional support.
• Data privacy: Right on the heels of human interaction, 36% stressed the importance of safeguarding their data.

60-69-Year-Olds’ Perspectives

In the 60-69 age group, security remains a top priority, mirroring the sentiments of younger participants. Additionally, a strong preference for human interaction for personalised experiences and a continued emphasis on data privacy were notable trends.

• Security: Unsurprisingly, 42% in this age bracket also had security as their primary concern, echoing the sentiments of their slightly younger counterparts.
• Prefer interacting with a human: A parallel trend emerged here, with 42% desiring human interaction for a more personalised touch.
• Data privacy: Once again, data privacy ranked high, with 41% emphasising the need to keep their information under lock and key.

Discoveries Among the 70-79 Age Group

In the 70-79 age category, security emerges as a paramount concern, underlining the universal desire for trust in AI systems. The preference for human interaction remains robust, highlighting the comfort and empathy it provides. Although data privacy remains important, it shows a subtle decrease in emphasis compared to younger age groups.

• Security: At this stage of life, 46% of respondents prioritised security more than any other concern, emphasising the universal need for trust in AI systems.
• Prefer interacting with a human: The preference for human interaction remained strong, with another 46% opting for the familiarity and empathy that humans bring.
• Data privacy: While still a concern, data privacy dipped slightly to 34%, suggesting a slightly lower emphasis on this aspect compared to the younger age groups.

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The survey results: a deeper look

When it comes to online security, a domain where caution is of utmost importance, individuals aged 50 and above emerge as particularly vigilant. This age group recognises the significance of being watchful among Internet users, underscoring the crucial role of safeguarding their digital presence. Research made by Future Processing substantiated these worries, highlighting the significance of addressing this demographic’s unique apprehensions.

Based on the analysis above, data security, the desire for human interaction, and data privacy emerge as the top three recurring concerns across all age groups. These concerns become even more pronounced in the older generations, with the 70-79 age group standing out as the epicentre of apprehension. Yet, regardless of age, these statistics underscore the urgent need for organisations to prioritise data security and privacy when introducing AI initiatives.

Connecting older users with AI to bridge the generation gap

Is there a way to help the surveyed group overcome their fear of AI tools? By leveraging education and technology, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure a safe and secure online experience for this demographic. It can also help older users to take full advantage of the benefits of the digital world.

Future Processing’s Head of Security, Dominik Samociuk, PhD, says:

Understanding-AI – resources tailored for 50+ users

As a result of a survey of the 50+ community’s AI needs and concerns, our Future Processing team developed specific, practical solutions. We have launched a website Understanding-AI that is already getting a great deal of attention online. This page provides users over 50 with comprehensive information about artificial intelligence. For people over 50 who are looking for help with AI and new technologies, this website is intended to be a kind of first aid.

By illustrating how artificial intelligence is used in everyday life, this platform contributes to an understanding of the power of AI. Through the presentation of real-world AI examples, the 50+ generation might gain a deeper understanding of the capabilities of artificial intelligence. In addition to a helpful video tutorial on AI-powered search engines, the website also discusses privacy and security for using chatbots. The Understanding-AI website sparks curiosity and offers ideas for practical AI applications without exhaustive comparisons.

Future Processing’s educational drive for informed communities

As part of Future Processing’s mission to open up AI-related technologies to the 50+ generation, we do much more than just build a website. The company’s blog features a wide variety of topics and instructions related to new technologies. A constantly updated and expanded collection of topics offers an inexhaustible source of information about new technologies and the practical application of artificial intelligence.

The campaign creators encourage users to delve deeper into topics such as: “What is cyber resilience” “How to increase your online security,” “Crafting a cyber-secure home office,” “Mobile Security“, “Data Security,” and “GDPR and Data Processing.” These resources pave the way for a safer digital journey, promoting a harmonious coexistence between technology and security. 

Narrowing the digital divide: empowering older users with AI education

Addressing the surveyed group’s AI-related concerns involves bridging the digital divide through education and technology. Empowering older users with digital literacy is crucial, enabling them to fully engage with the digital world safely. This keeps them informed and connected and opens doors to solutions like telemedicine or online shopping. The “Understand AI” campaign, a Future Processing’ pro publico bono initiative, contributes to building a digitally inclusive society, ensuring everyone can navigate AI with confidence and benefit from its potential.

Join us in the third part of Sharon’s journey (coming soon!) as we explore how technology companies can make AI more accessible and secure for people like her. Together, we’ll bridge the generation gap and ensure that no one is left behind in the age of AI!

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Understanding AI: a tech revolution for all ages

At the same time, Sharon is among the 35% who remain puzzled by the concept of an AI Image Generator. She has heard the term mentioned in news articles and discussions about the rise of misinformation, but she hasn’t delved deeply into understanding the mechanics behind AI Image Generators.

Sharon – like 70% of her peers – believes such matters should be explained more thoroughly to the public. And to be exact – in her opinion, it’s technology companies, who should take care of that.

Do you feel like you know Sharon now? If you think so, please accept our apologies. Sharon only exists statistically. Nevertheless, she’s a quintessential representative of the generation 50+ in the UK.

At over 50 years old, Sharon embodies the statistical realities of her peers. Her story illustrates the multi-faceted landscape of tech adoption, awareness, and curiosity that defines a generation that’s rewriting the rules of digital engagement.

Tech’s responsibility: making AI accessible to all generations

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In a world where technology advances constantly, certain demographics, like the one Sharon belongs to, often struggle to keep up. This creates a major obstacle for those groups, as they can easily fall behind in technological knowledge and skills.

Researchers have long noted a significant digital divide between older and younger adults when it comes to technology use. A rigorous research analysis highlights the urgency of bridging this generational gap to ensure equal access and empowerment in our increasingly digital society. And, with the advancement of AI tools, there’s a concern that this gap could expand even more.

That’s why Future Processing initiated the “Understanding AI” campaign.

Future Processing takes note: inclusivity in AI education matters

The “Understanding AI” campaign, launched by Future Processing in August 2023, aims to make AI technology more accessible and understandable to those who may feel overwhelmed by its complexity. The goal of the action is to make educational resources available to 50+ age groups so that they can better understand and appreciate artificial intelligence.

A survey of more than 2000 respondents aged over 50 in Great Britain formed the basis of the campaign. The study was conducted at the beginning of 2003, just after the boom in AI tools began.

The knowledge necessary to create the “Understanding AI” project was shared by Krzysztof Szabelski (Head of the Technology Department), Dominik Samociuk (PhD, Head of Security) and Marek Olczyk (Team Leader and Technology Expert). The campaign was inspired by Małgorzata Świerad (Public Relations Specialist) and Jarosław Kacprzak (Public Relations Manager).

AI unveiled: empowering non-techies and the 50+ generation

The survey conducted by Future Processing in the UK revealed a prevalent sentiment among respondents aged 50 and older. As the example of our statistically created Sharon showed, more than two-thirds of UK respondents aged 50 and above believe that technology companies do not do enough to help customers understand AI. This collective sentiment underscores the necessity for enhanced engagement in fostering an understanding of AI.

According to the survey, 73% of those surveyed stated technology companies need to offer more support to help customers understand AI. The demand for this service indicates a proactive attempt of generation 50+ to bridge the gap between technological advancement and accessible understanding.

The survey also underscores an interesting perception, with 60% of consumers aged 50 and above believing that technology companies are responsible for helping them understand AI. This could signify a symbiotic relationship wherein users seek guidance, and technology providers stand to benefit by nurturing digital literacy. An informed technological future might depend on the call for support in this evolving landscape.

Do you want to know more about Sharon’s understanding of artificial technology and how she uses it? What is her and her peers’ biggest concern when it comes to chatbots? Join us on Sharon’s journey as we work together to bridge the generational divide, ensuring that AI becomes an empowering force for all, regardless of their age or tech-savvy. Together, we’ll pave the way for a more inclusive and informed future.

Stay tuned for more posts on Sharon and “Understanding AI”.

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