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Data Streaming Platforms Now Essential for AI Success and Business Growth, Say Global IT Leaders
Nearly 90% of IT leaders see data streaming platforms as essential for AI adoption, with 90% planning increased investments in 2025. Real-time data access boosts innovation and product value.
Data Streaming: A Key Driver for AI Product Innovation in 2025
Nearly 90% of IT leaders recognize that data streaming platforms (DSPs) are essential for accelerating AI adoption, according to the latest findings from Confluent’s fourth annual Data Streaming Report. These platforms are shifting from optional tools to critical infrastructure for businesses aiming to innovate and stay competitive.
In fact, 90% of IT decision-makers plan to increase their investments in DSPs in 2025, reflecting a clear consensus that real-time data access is fundamental to successful AI initiatives and broader digital transformation.
Why Data Streaming Matters for AI
AI applications—whether chatbots, virtual assistants, or intelligent agents—require instant access to trustworthy, high-quality data. Real-time data streaming enables continuous flows of contextual information, which is crucial for delivering accurate insights and timely decisions across an organization.
Without a comprehensive data streaming platform, businesses struggle with fragmented data silos, inconsistent data quality, and slow access. These issues can limit AI’s effectiveness and delay product innovation.
Sudhakar Gopal, EVP & CIO at Citizens Bank, puts it simply: “A data streaming platform makes it easy for us to exchange data between all our point-to-point applications, enabling us to make game-changing decisions in real time.”
Key Findings from the 2025 Data Streaming Report
- AI breakthroughs depend on DSPs: 87% of IT leaders expect data streaming to increasingly feed AI systems with real-time, contextual, and trustworthy data.
- Strategic priority: 86% rank data streaming as a key business strategy.
- Strong ROI: 44% report achieving a 5x return on investment from data streaming—up from 41% last year.
- Shift-left approach gains traction: 81% of IT leaders report reduced costs and risks by adopting earlier intervention in data processing and governance.
Implications for Product Teams
For product developers, integrating DSPs means faster access to reliable, real-time data that can power AI features and personalized user experiences. This accelerates speed to market and enhances product value through continuous feedback loops.
Investing in data streaming also reduces the friction of data governance and quality, helping teams maintain compliance without slowing down innovation cycles.
To stay competitive, product teams should prioritize DSP integration as part of their AI and data strategies. This ensures a solid foundation for delivering AI-driven products that respond to customer needs instantly.
Access the Full Report and Resources
The report surveyed 4,175 IT leaders across 12 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UK, and the US. Respondents work at organizations with 500+ employees and have familiarity with data streaming technologies.
For those interested in exploring the data and insights further, the 2025 Data Streaming Report offers a comprehensive look at how DSPs are shaping AI adoption and business outcomes.
About Confluent
Confluent provides a cloud-native data streaming platform that enables real-time data flows across organizations. This platform supports modern AI applications and real-time operations, helping companies build responsive, software-driven products and services.
Learn more about how data streaming can boost your AI initiatives and product innovation at Complete AI Training.