Overcoming the objections to AI PC adoption

Brandon Lieberthal, VP, PC Systems & Print Solutions – Europe, explains how partners can address some of the reservations customers might have about investing in AI-capable PCs.

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AI demand is projected to grow rapidly across Europe and the rest of the world and we will see a deluge of new AI PCs coming the market over the next year. The benefits that these will deliver – streamlining workflows and enabling end users to both think and work much smarter and much more – are being widely promoted.

Even so, partners are likely to meet  resistance to the adoption of AI technology from end user customers. How can they best respond? In this article, we look at what the most common objections are likely to be and suggest ways to address them.

The cost of AI PCs

Even though the initial cost of AI-capable PCs is relatively high, businesses must look further into the future. According to research from IBM, best-in-class businesses earn 13 percent return on investment (ROI) on AI projects, which is more than double the average ROI of 5.9 percent. AI PCs are expected to drive up efficiencies and reduce operational costs for all types of businesses, so employees can focus on the tasks which are of a much higher value.

With the availability of financing, leasing options and subscription models through TD SYNNEX Capital and our Tech-as-a-Service offerings, it is easy for businesses to invest in these AI PCs and reap in their benefits.

TD SYNNEX Capital offers tailor-made payment solutions that allows businesses to grow and benefit from the latest technology – even with limited budgets. Our Tech-as-a-Service offering enables channel partners to combine hardware, software, and services into a single solution for customers with a simplified bill. Without the burden of significant upfront costs, these flexible options are much more accessible to individual organisations, and customers can benefit from the latest technology within their budgets.

How will AI PCs fit into current operations?

Organisations are still trying to work out how to implement AI into their operations and, understandably, there will be concerns about how AI-capable PCs will fit into current backend technology. However, there is no need for businesses to overhaul their operations as these AI PCs will be able to integrate into existing features. Similarly, the channel can offer support, education and training on how best to deploy these PCs into their operations and offer ongoing guidance when it is needed.

Privacy and security concerns

There are a number of ways to overcome privacy and security concerns related to AI PCs. They include implementing robust security practices and policies and continuous monitoring. Security measures such as end-to-end encryption and having strong access controls and ensuring regular updates to protection are being made are all important. Organisations much also ensure that they adhere to all local and national regulatory standards.

Are you ready?

Everyone needs to get to grips with how AI PCs will change the way we work and they way we interact with our systems. There is going to be some natural scepticism about what is, after all, a very new and hyped technology. The channel is well-placed to help end users overcome their concerns and see how AI PCs can be useful solutions.

However, like everyone else, partners need to develop their own awareness and to help then do that, TD SYNNEX has created Destination AI – a programme designed to empower partners to engage and with their customers and advise them on the right AI solutions for their business.

We are only at the start of the AI PC revolution and by developing their AI capabilities now, partners can prepare themselves to take the opportunities that this exciting new technology presents – in the immediate future and as new generations of AI are rolled out and it becomes more prevalent over the coming years.