Real-time data identified as key to enterprise AI success

A new IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Solace, indicates that real-time data is a critical factor for the success of enterprise AI. Based on a survey of 623 senior technology decision-makers at companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion across eight countries, the research highlights that agentic AI has transitioned from an experimental phase to an operational dependency.

Organizations identified as leaders in real-time data maturity are more than three times as likely to achieve measurable business results across most of their AI projects. These leaders report average annual gains of approximately 23% in areas such as risk reduction, speed to market, and responsiveness to change.

The study found a strong link between agentic AI and real-time data, with 80% of respondents investing in or already utilizing AI agents, and 90% increasing their focus on real-time data to support these initiatives. Advances in agentic AI were cited as the primary driver reshaping data priorities, surpassing concerns regarding security, cost, and regulation.