AI Infrastructure Requirements: Cloud vs On-Premise for SA Businesses
Part of our comprehensive AI Data Readiness Guide for South African Enterprises
Introduction
Infrastructure decisions considering SA connectivity and sovereignty In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies specifically designed for South African organizations navigating AI infrastructure requirements the local market.
🎯 Key Focus: Load shedding resilience, data sovereignty, connectivity challenges
AI Infrastructure Decisions for South African Businesses
Choosing the right infrastructure for AI involves balancing performance needs with local constraints like load shedding, connectivity limitations, and data sovereignty requirements.
Cloud vs On-Premise: The SA Context
| Factor | Cloud | On-Premise | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Shedding | Resilient | Requires UPS/Generator | Balanced |
| Data Sovereignty | Concerns | Full Control | Selective Control |
| Cost Model | OpEx | CapEx | Mixed |
| Scalability | Instant | Limited | Flexible |
Essential Infrastructure Components
- Compute: GPU requirements for model training
- Storage: High-speed storage for large datasets
- Networking: Low-latency connections for real-time AI
- Backup: Disaster recovery with SA compliance
- Monitoring: Performance and security monitoring
Implementation Best Practices
- Start Small: Pilot with non-critical systems
- Measure Everything: Establish baseline metrics
- Iterate Quickly: Fail fast, learn faster
- Document Thoroughly: Create reusable processes
- Train Continuously: Upskill your team
📘 Part of Our Comprehensive AI Readiness Framework
This article covers one aspect of AI data readiness. For the complete framework and assessment tools, see our AI Data Readiness Assessment Guide.
Specifically, this content relates to: Infrastructure Readiness section
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