Amazon Web Services (AWS) has experienced significant growth in Peru since the beginning of its operations three and a half years ago, consolidating itself as a key player in the country’s digital transformation. A few weeks ago, between the comings and goings in the middle of the re:Invent 2024 (the most important event of the year for AWS), El Comercio spoke with Karla Wong, Country Manager of AWS Peru to take stock of the progress made so far and their future plans.
According to Wong, the company is in a continuous “day one”, which reflects its dynamism and the need for constant adaptation to the market. Consider that this year has been especially relevantwith important milestones that set the tone for the future of AWS in its operation in Peru.
One of the greatest local achievements was the Cloud Experiencewhose success demonstrates the great interest of the Peruvian market in the news and growth of AWS, as well as the adoption of new technologies. “Cloud Experience, which is a large, important event in the region, arrives for the first time in Peru and tremendously exceeded expectations, that is, we had more than 200% expected attendance”, he noted.
Four keys as north
As Wong explains to us, AWS’s growth strategy in Peru is based on four fundamental pillars:
- Digital Transformation: Cloud adoption is no longer seen as a trade-off between agility and security, but rather as an enabler that delivers both. “The cloud clearly gives you that agility, scalability, security and reliability that you need to accelerate your business.“, said Wong.
- Cybersecurity: Fundamental to the protection of data in the cloud and the continued operation of businesses. To do this, AWS implements a shared responsibility model, where it is responsible for security of the cloud, while the client is the security in the cloud “We are responsible for cloud security and the customer is responsible for cloud security”, indica Wong.
- Sustainability: A growing concern that is reflected in the interest in measuring and reducing the carbon footprint. AWS offers tools like the Customer Carbon Footprint Tool, so its customers can monitor and reduce their environmental impact.
- Education: Essential for the development of digital skills and the responsible adoption of new technologies. AWS offers training programs such as Skill Builder, Educate and Academy, with a focus on the inclusion of women, indigenous communities and the LGBTQIA+ population.
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Artificial intelligence with responsibility
These days it is almost an obligation for companies to not only talk about artificial intelligence, but to show the world that they are capable of using it in the best way. AWS knows of this need and that is why one of its goals is to convert all its clients into artificial intelligence (AI) companiesbut in a responsible manner, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preparation before adoption.
According to Wong, the first question asked of a client interested in generative AI (GenAI) is: “What is the business need you want to solve with GenAI?”. It is crucial to assess whether a company is AI-ready, considering data strategy and governance. Data quality is essential to train models effectively and avoid bias.
AWS offers both traditional AI and GenAI, recognizing that not all needs are solved with GenAI. “Be careful that at this moment It may be that the business need you have is not solved with generative AI, but rather it is solved with traditional AI…”, comments Wong.
Cybersecurity, everyone’s task
Regarding cybersecurity, AWS recognizes that it continues to be a great challenge in Peru. The main security breaches are due to human errors. “Today more than ever we see that the main failures in security issues are human failures.”, declared Wong.
Although there are similar security solutions on the market, lack of awareness about the importance of a digital security culture. Wong emphasizes that security is a priority for AWS and is integrated into all of its solutions. Additionally, the company continually invests in security innovation to keep up with ever-evolving threats.
Educational opportunities
Talent development is another of the great challenges for the technology sector in Peru. According to the figures managed by AWS, There is a deficit of 17,000 professionals in the area. That is why the company, through its training programs, seeks to close this gap, providing the skills necessary for cloud and AI adoption.
These programs also focus on inclusion, prioritizing groups such as women, indigenous communities and the LGBTQIA+ population. Likewise, the growing need for digital skills in all professional profiles is recognized, giving rise to the concept of “digital humanists”. “Today, technology does not only impact those of us who have technical profiles, it impacts all profiles.” , dice Wong.
Challenges towards 2025 and beyond
Looking to the future, AWS plans to continue expanding its team in Peru to accompany its clients in their digital transformation. “We continue to grow the team. Today we are hiring many more builders to accompany our clients”, explica Wong.
The company sees an evolution in cloud adoption, from migration to the adoption of AI, Machine Learning and GenAI. Customers are also tapping into other Amazon business units.
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According to Wong, the biggest challenge for the operation in Peru in the coming year will be cultural challenge. Digital transformation is not only a technological challenge, but also a cultural one, and companies must adapt their mindset and processes to integrate new technologies effectively. “The cultural issue will continue to be important“, said Wong.
Furthermore, the digital talent gap will continue to be a significant challenge, so Training and skills development are essential. AWS is rolling out programs to address this gap, such as Skill Builder, where customers can build their own talent.
Sustainability is another key aspect of the strategy of AWS and its customers. “With sustainability, generative artificial intelligence has a tool called the Customer Carbon Footprint Tool that allows our customers to understand what carbon emissions they have once they use AWS services.”, comments Wong.
AWS seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and support its customers to do the same. The company is exploring alternatives to cool its data centers, such as air, and has signed agreements for the use of nuclear energy, seeking to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.