A new report from market intelligence firm International Data Corp. (IDC) found that businesses in Asia-Pacific (APAC) are leaning toward platform-based approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) as they aim to improve efficiency across their organizations during a period of economic uncertainty.
According to IDC, only 23% of AI applications in the region have progressed from proof of concept to full deployment. The research noted that as AI capabilities continue to develop and more providers introduce end-to-end platforms, enterprises need a clear understanding of how each system matches their present and future needs.
“As AI advances from rule-based models to generative and now agentic capabilities, many Asian businesses are reassessing how to launch and scale AI,” said Abhishek Kumar, associate research director, IDC Asia Pacific. “While it’s tempting to default to existing vendors, AI will reshape workflows far more than past technology shifts. Organizations should evaluate a range of solutions and look for an AI partner, not just a provider.”
The report, titled Unified AI & Agentic AI Platforms in Asia: Solution Insights for Technology Leaders, also outlines current adoption trends in the region and profiles AI-driven platforms from providers including Salesforce, Workday, HCLSoftware, Kingdee, ServiceNow, and EvoluteIQ.
Kumar said the choice of platform should involve more than IT teams.
“Enterprises need to involve lines of business to ensure the chosen AI platform and use cases deliver maximum value and long-term impact,” he said.