The AI Acceleration Gap: Why Some Enterprises Are Surging Ahead

Discover how AI Leaders are scaling faster with Azure and Rackspace Technology — and what it takes to bridge the growing gap.

A dramatic divide is emerging in AI adoption. Our latest research reveals that only 13% of organizations qualify as AI Leaders — companies that are scaling quickly, modernizing infrastructure, and embedding AI into their core business strategy.

The AI Acceleration Gap: Why Some Enterprises Are Surging Ahead uncovers what separates these AI Leaders from the 87% still stuck in pilots or struggling to scale. These leaders aren't just experimenting with AI. They've built it into their operations, developed AI-ready workforces, and partnered with proven experts like Microsoft and Rackspace Technology to accelerate their transformation.

And the results speak volumes.

AI Leaders like those who partner with Microsoft and Rackspace are already reaping measurable benefits:

• 2x advantage in workforce readiness, trust, and collaboration frameworks
• 91% have fully integrated AI into customer experience and product innovation
• 21–25 AI projects in motion, driving focused and scalable growth

The Rackspace Technology and Microsoft Azure advantage

Closing the gap isn't just about technology; it’s about building responsibly, securely, and at scale. AI Leaders build on Microsoft Azure with Rackspace Technology's deep expertise and trusted guidance:

• Responsible AI & Security: Rackspace integrates compliance, governance, and regulatory adaptation into every Azure AI deployment
• Proven Partnership: 500+ Microsoft Certified Professionals, 8 Microsoft specializations, and recognition as a six-time Microsoft Hosting Partner of the Year
• Enterprise Impact: Rackspace was named 2023 Singapore Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform, Data & AI Partner of the Year
• Customer Results: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) improved resiliency, reduced downtime, and enhanced service delivery through AI-powered automation on Azure

This report outlines the proven strategies AI Leaders use to scale successfully — from choosing the right projects to empowering teams and measuring real impact. Whether you're leading the way or just gaining traction, you'll find practical steps to accelerate your transformation.

About this report:
In March and April 2025, Rackspace Technology® and Coleman Parkes Research polled 1,420 technology decision-makers across ten countries and ten industry sectors. This global research captures timely insights into how organizations are approaching AI adoption, investment and readiness, and highlights the strategies setting today’s AI Leaders apart.