Navigating data in a hybrid cloud world the Cloudera way

With cutting-edge enterprise solutions

Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Cloudera stands out as the only true hybrid data platform. It seamlessly integrates data, analytics, and AI across public and private clouds, empowering organisations to securely manage diverse data types and transform them into actionable insights.

By leveraging Cloudera’s robust capabilities, enterprises can deploy their cloud strategies effectively while ensuring data governance and compliance. Cloudera’s hybrid approach not only enhances data accessibility but also drives efficiency in analytics processes, making it a valuable tool for organisations seeking to harness the full potential of their data ecosystems.

Ahmad Shakora, Cloudera’s Group Vice President of the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, has grown the company. With a career that began in the IT sector at BMC Software, Ahmad joined Cloudera in 2018 as the regional head of the Middle East. His 15 years of industry experience and commitment to innovation have set new performance benchmarks and led to his promotion to Cloudera’s regional vice president for the Middle East and Turkey in 2021.

Ahmad has recently taken on responsibilities in the African markets to expand Cloudera’s presence and market penetration further on the continent.

In an exclusive interview at GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest tech and startup event, held at Dubai World Trade Centre, Ahmad discusses the company’s activities in the Middle East and beyond.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. Excerpts:

Cloudera has been making significant strides globally in the data management sector. Can you sum up the company this year?

Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This year has been particularly exciting for Cloudera. We have seen tremendous growth compared to previous years, particularly with our hybrid cloud strategy, which is taking off in the Middle East region. Over the past five years, we have expanded our market share and matured our solutions.

With our hybrid cloud approach, we now offer comprehensive coverage across the entire data journey. We streamline the entire lifecycle – from the initial data collection to enriching that data, reporting, and leveraging it for AI and machine learning. This integration reduces the complexities that often arise from using point solutions, providing a sense of security and confidence in your data management journey.

Our capability to operate across any cloud—be it multi-cloud, on-premises, or private cloud—means we can effectively support our customers from when data is generated to when it is utilised for AI models. I have been with Cloudera for six years, and I can confidently say that this is the most exhilarating time for us, especially as we embrace the era of data and AI.

What distinguishes Cloudera’s enterprise clients from others? Are there unique characteristics you can highlight?

That is a great question. The enterprise clients we cater to in this region [Middle East] have some distinct needs. For instance, in this part of the world, high-powered engines like GPU capabilities are not as prevalent, which means many of our clients still operate on-premises solutions.

Additionally, regulations concerning data privacy require that sensitive information often remains on-premises, adhering to local laws. Our hybrid cloud strategy addresses these needs perfectly, allowing our clients the flexibility to keep sensitive data secure while still harnessing the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the cloud.

It is also worth noting that our open-source solutions resonate well with clients who value agility and innovation across their data spectrum. Our customer base includes top players in telecommunications, public sector, and transportation, where managing sensitive data is crucial. Cloudera enables these organisations to make sense of their data quickly and efficiently.

How is Cloudera helping enterprise customers in the Middle East overcome the data and AI integration challenges they face?

The challenges can vary significantly depending on geopolitical factors and cultural differences. There are many markets within one region, each with its unique requirements. While we have enjoyed substantial growth, we also face increased competition and the complexities of expanding our market reach.

However, I view these as positive challenges—growth challenges. With growth comes a higher demand for our services and a need to manage more market complexities. Cloudera is well-positioned to tackle these issues head-on.

Data management is evolving rapidly. How does Cloudera anticipate and prepare for the increasing data demands in the AI era?

Anticipating changes in data needs is crucial. We actively engage with our top customers through executive forums, gathering feedback about our current offerings and soliciting insights on their needs moving forward.

While we cannot implement every suggestion, maintaining close relationships with our customers allows us to stay aligned with their needs. This feedback loop is invaluable for clients who operate in fast-paced environments where every millisecond counts. By listening to our customers, we can adapt our roadmap to serve them better.

The term “digital transformation” is trending. How do you perceive this trend, especially in the context of countries like Saudi Arabia?

Digital transformation has been a buzzword for years—I have heard it for at least 15 years! The focus has intensified recently, especially post-Covid.

Digital transformation is not just a one-time shift but an ongoing evolution. Organisations must think critically about leveraging these technologies effectively and securely as we advance into an age dominated by AI and machine learning. It is not just about transforming but continuously evolving to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

What innovations are on the horizon for Cloudera?

We are excited about several recent partnerships, including one with Nvidia, which was announced recently. This collaboration allows us to package our solutions with Nvidia’s robust offerings, enhancing our capabilities, particularly in regions where GPU technology is making significant headway.

Additionally, we have partnered with Snowflake, which integrates its data warehousing capabilities with our big data platform. This synergy allows us to pull and analyse data seamlessly, providing immense value to our customers. We are also committed to continuous innovation, releasing new capabilities regularly.

How do you see Cloudera’s growth trajectory in the region?

Our growth trajectory remains robust. We have seen remarkable expansion over the past five to six years, and we are dedicated to increasing our customer base and enhancing the service ecosystem surrounding them.

This means building out our pre-sales, professional services, and support functions to ensure our clients have everything they need for success. We are poised to attract new customers while continuing to serve our existing ones, reinforcing our position as a leader in data management.

What key message do you want to convey from this discussion?

The key message is clear: Cloudera is the right choice if you are looking for a comprehensive solution that drives business innovation and provides visibility into your operations. We cover the entire data lifecycle in a hybrid environment, and our open approach empowers customers to achieve what was once thought impossible.

Moreover, our recent integration of Iceberg—a significant data format—into our offerings enhances flexibility for our clients, allowing them to accomplish previously unattainable tasks.

Featured image: Ahmad Shakora has played a lead top management role at Cloudera since 2018. Credit: Cloudera

Last Updated on 1 month by Arnold Pinto