Seagate report: 62% of companies unprepared for AI storage demands

A new study by Seagate Technology, titled ‘Data Infrastructure Readiness Report 2026’, reveals a significant gap between the rising storage demands of artificial intelligence and corporate preparedness. While 99% of IT leaders surveyed across seven regions—including the US, China, India, the UK, Germany, France, and Japan—predict an increase in storage requirements due to AI over the next three years, only 38% feel adequately prepared to meet these needs.

Despite the infrastructure challenges, 86% of companies report achieving moderate to significant returns on investment (ROI) from AI adoption, with one-third reporting measurable gains. However, 32% of organizations expect their storage needs to grow by 50% or more. Key obstacles to scaling include data quality and readiness (53%), storage infrastructure (43%), and energy constraints (24%).

Sustainability has emerged as a critical factor in infrastructure planning. Approximately 77% of respondents have delayed or modified infrastructure expansion plans due to concerns regarding energy consumption and sustainability. Seagate advocates for ‘Sustainable Scaling’ to balance increasing data capacity with long-term efficiency and environmental responsibility.