Why AI-Native Cloud Platforms Are the Next Big Battleground in Cloud Computing

27 February,2026 11:53 AM IST |  Mumbai  | 

AI-native cloud platforms India


The AI cloud revolution has transformed IT and Technology over the couple of years, evolving from a back-office utility into a strategic driver of innovation. Now, as businesses enter the next phase of digital transformation, a new frontier is emerging: AI-native cloud platforms. The competitive edge is no longer just about storage or compute-it's about intelligence, automation, and business agility.

The AI Imperative in Cloud

A recent EY-FICCI report indicates that 78% of organizations are modernizing their tech stacks and embedding intelligence into AI applications. For many businesses, AI cloud adoption is no longer optional-it is foundational. In India, companies are moving beyond simple migration, using cloud platforms to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams.

Yet challenges persist. Cost optimization remains a major pain point-large firms achieve only about 20% efficiency gains, while smaller organizations often struggle more. Workforce gaps compound the issue, with 75% of businesses citing talent shortages that slow cloud adoption.

AI-native cloud platforms aim to bridge these gaps. By combining scalable infrastructure with embedded intelligence, these platforms help businesses optimize operations, automate workflows, and accelerate innovation. Services such as AI-driven orchestration, predictive analytics, and intelligent storage management allow companies to deploy complex workloads without being hampered by skills gaps or infrastructure bottlenecks.

India's AI Cloud Momentum

India is emerging as a global hub for AI cloud innovation. Major regions including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune host AI data centres and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) driving engineering excellence. EY's report highlights that 80% of Indian organizations are adopting cloud not just for infrastructure, but for intelligent applications, data products, and orchestration platforms.

Homegrown providers like BharathCloud illustrate this shift. With operations in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Delhi along with other cities. BharathCloud offers customized AI cloud and community cloud delivered with business-grade security and scalability. As Rahul Takkallapally, Co-Founder of BharathCloud, notes, "AI-native cloud platforms are not just about technology-they enable new ways of working. By automating routine processes and providing real-time intelligence, businesses can focus on creative, high-value work."

The New Battleground: AI-Native Cloud Platforms

The AI cloud competition is now about intelligent infrastructures. Global giants like Hyperscalers are optimizing their platforms for AI, delivering faster insights, automated workflows, and real-time intelligence. At the same time, Indian providers are demonstrating that cost-effective, secure, and customized AI-native capabilities can be developed locally, offering businesses choice and flexibility given the diversity of our growing economy.

Key advantages of AI-native cloud platforms include:

Padma Reddy Sama, Co-Founder of BharathCloud, further adds, "Businesses that embrace AI-native cloud platforms will not only compete but they will also redefine their industries. For India, this evolution leverages local talent, robust infrastructure, and a growing ecosystem of innovative providers, positioning the country as a significant player in the global AI cloud landscape."

The next battleground in cloud computing is here, defined by AI-native platforms that combine intelligence, automation, and agility. Companies that harness these platforms will unlock new efficiencies, accelerate innovation, and create differentiated customer experiences. India's cloud-first momentum, paired with emerging homegrown AI capabilities, signals that the country is not just participating in the cloud revolution-it is shaping it.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Buzzfeed Technology Platforms Infrastructure
Related Stories