AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs — THE Journal

Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

A recent Intel-commissioned report reveals a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

All that and more is detailed in the AI PC Global Report from Intel, which surveyed 5,050 business and IT decision-makers across 23 countries, showing momentum for on-device AI acceleration.

“Businesses are already well-versed in the productivity gains that AI delivers for tasks like search optimization or language translation. Consumed as a cloud service, this type of day-to-day AI use is driving adoption. But for businesses looking to extend IT efficiency, better protect sensitive data, and reduce long-term costs, AI PCs are fast becoming the go-to option,” the report noted.
“One of the most powerful advantages of AI PCs is the ability to run AI workloads locally, offline and privately, without sending sensitive data to the cloud.”

Some data points to back that up include:

• Security benefits of local AI: AI PCs come with built-in hardware security features that help detect threats early, protect applications and data, and defend the system even before the operating system starts. This provides full-stack protection and is especially valuable for regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services, where data privacy and compliance are paramount.
• 49% of non-adopters cite data exposure as their top security concern: This concern was flagged by nearly half of respondents who haven’t yet adopted AI PCs. Intel counters this by emphasizing that one of the most powerful advantages of AI PCs is the ability to run AI workloads locally, offline and privately, without sending sensitive data to the cloud. By keeping data on the device, organizations can reduce exposure risks while still benefiting from real-time AI capabilities.

  

• Only 23% of adopters report security as a challenge, and 33% report no challenges at all: While a third of non-adopters cite security as their biggest AI PC concern, only 23% of those already using the technology highlight security as a challenge. An equal number (33%) of adopters have not experienced any challenges, including security issues, when using AI PCs. This suggests that concerns about replacing cloud AI with endpoint AI may be overstated in practice.
• AI workloads are already being run locally for core tasks: The report highlights that Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are optimizing their applications for AI PCs, integrating AI features like real-time transcription, intelligent editing, and enhanced collaboration tools that take advantage of on-device AI acceleration. Common use cases for AI currently include optimized search (73%), real-time translation (72%), and predictive text input (71%).
• Strong ROI demonstrated for AI PCs: AI PCs built on the Intel vPro platform and powered by Intel Core Ultra processors can deliver up to 213% ROI over three years, with a payback period of less than six months.

  

• Willingness to invest in AI PCs: IT leaders are willing to spend up to 29% more for AI PCs compared to traditional PCs, and business leaders are willing to spend up to 25% more.
• Training crucial for effective AI PC use: 95% of respondents believe employees will need training to effectively use AI PCs.

  

• Existing gap in AI PC training provision: Only 42% of organizations provide ongoing AI training, with 33% relying on one-off sessions, and 35% of organizations reporting no training provided at all.
• On-device AI supports data sovereignty and compliance: The ability to run AI workloads locally and privately is “especially critical for regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services, where data privacy and compliance are paramount.” This local processing helps organizations adhere to regulations that might restrict cloud-based data handling.
• 65% less time spent on device management and 90% fewer on-site IT visits: Organizations leveraging AI PCs built on the Intel vPro platform can expect to spend 65% less time on device management. Furthermore, IT staff can drastically reduce the amount of time spent physically visiting sites for maintenance interventions, potentially reducing hardware-related on-site visits by as much as 90%. This suggests a more autonomous, self-sustaining endpoint experience, further minimizing reliance on centralized services.
• Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are building apps that assume local AI capability: The report states that “Another key factor in readying for the future is the growing ecosystem of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that are optimizing their applications for Al PCs.” Leading ISVs are already integrating AI features like real-time transcription, intelligent editing, and enhanced collaboration tools that leverage on-device AI acceleration.
• Performance improvements of up to 100% for local workloads: AI PCs can deliver “Up to 100% performance gains running workloads on the latest Intel vPro platform when compared with the Intel Core 1000 series processors.” These workloads include data visualization and insights, content creation, local AI assistance, and digital marketing. This reflects a shift in architecture that favors endpoint execution over cloud round-tripping.