Case study overview
STL Partners collaborated with a global technology leader to explore how AI is shaping enterprise network demands and how these shifts should inform future network development roadmaps.
We conducted a series of in-depth interviews with enterprises to understand both the current impact of AI and the future outlook for networking requirements — including implications for latency, reliability, security, and more.
The research enabled us to categorise AI applications into four broad profiles, each with distinct implications for network design and performance. We also highlighted nuances across industries and use cases.
Drawing on these insights, STL developed a concise thought leadership report and hosted a webinar to share research findings.
We also created a set of key questions for network and IT decision-makers to consider when developing their AI strategies and infrastructure roadmaps. These insights — centred on the location and nature of AI workloads — along with the broader analytical framework, formed the basis for practical, forward-looking strategic recommendations.
What was the approach?
STL Partners designed a three-phase project to deliver strategic insights and marketing assets on howAI is reshaping enterprise networking and connectivity.
We began with a series of in-depth interviews with senior network and IT decision-makers from large enterprises across multiple verticals. These conversations explored how organisations are adopting AI today and how use cases are likely to evolve — examining the types of AI applications being deployed, where workloads are processed across the edge-to-cloud continuum, and how this impacts network performance, reliability, and security.
Drawing on these insights, STL developed a practical framework to help enterprises assess the impact of AI on their future networking requirements. This framework underpins a thought-leadership report and supporting webinar designed to engage key industry stakeholders.

Key results from the project
- Interviewed 4 senior network decision-makers across large enterprises from various industry verticals
- Defined 4 enterprise AI use case areas
- Produced a thought-leadership report on the impact of edge AI on enterprise networking
- Hosted an industry webinar, with 150+ live attendees and 500+ leads
