The 20th edition of CIONEXT wasn’t just another tech conference - it was a deep dive into one of today’s biggest challenges: mastering complexity in an era of data explosion. On February 20, 2025, some of the sharpest minds in technology came together for an engaging, no-holds-barred discussion on how businesses can turn overwhelming complexity into a competitive advantage.
With CIONET’s own Hendrik Deckers as a moderator, guiding a panel of industry leaders, the conversation ranged from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and sustainability. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without Hitachi Vantara, our Business Partner, which is at the forefront of data infrastructure innovation.
If you missed the conference, the panel discussion is available here.
The conference welcomed a stellar panel of thought leaders, each with a unique take on mastering complexity:
Each speaker brought compelling stories and real-world experiences that made the discussion feel more like a masterclass in digital resilience rather than a typical panel session.
"Complexity can be both an enabler and a disruptor. Managing it effectively determines an organisation’s success." - Hendrik Deckers
Not all complexity is bad - sometimes, it’s the key to innovation. The speakers emphasised that “good complexity” is when well-architected systems work in harmony, while “bad complexity” is when inefficiencies, silos, and unnecessary obstacles slow businesses down. The challenge? Finding the balance between the two.
"Data is the new oil, but only if refined properly. Building a data-driven culture is key to our future success." - Kalman Tiboldi
Becoming a data-driven company is no longer optional - it’s the lifeblood of modern business. Andrei Exner shared how TUI treats "data as a product," ensuring every part of the business has access to the insights they need. Meanwhile, Kalman Tiboldi explained how TVH is leveraging data fabric and virtualisation to create a seamless flow of real-time information.
"AI is not just an advantage - it’s becoming a necessity for companies to stay competitive." - Andrei Exner
If 2024 was the year of AI hype, 2025 is the year of AI execution. From chatbots that elevate customer service to image recognition that simplifies supply chains, AI is revolutionising industries. Jay Subramanian pointed out that AI is no longer a futuristic experiment - it’s a necessary tool for staying competitive.
"We must transition from just managing data to truly harnessing it for real-time decision-making and business value." - Jay Subramanian
A single cyberattack can cripple an organisation. Kalman Tiboldi shared a riveting account of how TVH faced and overcame a ransomware attack, reinforcing why businesses must prioritise security before it’s too late. Jay Subramanian added that AI is also playing a crucial role in threat detection, helping businesses stay a step ahead of bad actors.
Cloud technology offers flexibility, but managing a hybrid cloud infrastructure isn’t always straightforward. Andrei Exner explained how TUI embraces a cloud-first strategy while carefully balancing legacy systems, ensuring security, scalability, and cost efficiency.
It’s no longer enough to be efficient - businesses must also be sustainable. Kalman Tiboldi described how TVH is using digital technology to track and reduce its environmental impact, ensuring that sustainability is more than just a buzzword.
CIONEXT 20 was not just an event - it was a reality check on how businesses must navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape. The main key takeaway? Complexity is inevitable, but those who master it will lead the future.
A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, participants, and Hitachi Vantara, for making this discussion not just insightful but truly game-changing.
If you are interested in this topic, we highly recommend MIT Tech Review - The Rise of Data Platform for Hybrid Cloud. Learn how enterprises like yours can manage the explosive growth of data, adopt a cloud-like consumption model to mitigate cyber risks, and cut costs while boosting performance. This brief from MIT Tech Review explores how an overarching software-defined data platform can help solve these challenges.
But... the conversation doesn’t stop here. Mark your calendars for CIONEXT 21 on April 3, 2025, where we’ll explore the evolution of IT leadership in an ever-changing world.