New Akamai Study Shows 87% of Digital Native Businesses Prioritize Security Over Cost and Scalability in Cloud Provider Choices

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), a leader in online cloud services, has released a study revealing that digital native businesses (DNBs) in Asia are increasingly prioritizing security over cost and scalability when selecting cloud providers. This shift comes as these companies face mounting complexities and security challenges with rapid cloud adoption, which could impact their long-term growth.

The study, titled “Asia’s Digital Native Businesses Prioritise Security for Sustainable Growth,” highlights how DNBs—characterized by their rapid technology adoption—are now focusing more on security as they advance their cloud strategies. The study finds that nearly 90% of DNBs plan to enhance efficiency and productivity over the next year by investing in cloud computing and API-driven microservices. According to IDC, DNBs are expected to spend up to $128.9 billion on technology by 2026, with cloud-based technologies experiencing the fastest growth at 37.3%.

Jay Jenkins, Akamai’s Chief Technology Officer for Cloud Computing, emphasized the dual-edged nature of advanced technology for DNBs. He noted that while cutting-edge tech offers significant opportunities, it also brings increased IT complexity and cyber risks, which could undermine cloud implementations and overall business performance. Jenkins advised that DNBs need to optimize cloud performance and adopt a multicloud approach to avoid vendor lock-in and enhance flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

The study also revealed that DNBs’ embrace of cloud-native technologies, such as microservices and APIs, while beneficial for scalability and time-to-market, exposes them to greater cyber risks. In particular, 74% of DNBs have fully migrated to or are adopting cloud technologies. In Australia and New Zealand, 97% are either using or exploring cloud solutions, while in India, 98% are focused on integrating AI into their cloud infrastructure. Indian DNBs are also noted for their emphasis on security and vendor evaluation, ranking second in the ASEAN region for their attention to vendor performance.

Despite their rapid adoption of cloud technologies, DNBs face ongoing security challenges, with 75% identifying security as the biggest shortfall in cloud infrastructure performance. The complexity of IT infrastructure contributes significantly to these security concerns, with 44% of respondents citing it as a major challenge.

To address these issues, DNBs are focusing on API security, with 90% prioritizing it when evaluating cloud and security providers. The study shows that 87% of DNBs consider security features more important than performance, reputation, scalability, and cost in their cloud provider decisions. Jenkins stressed the importance of advanced API security measures, regular audits, and visibility into API activity to mitigate risks.

Industries most affected include gaming, high technology, video media, and commerce. In ASEAN, concerns over phishing have led to increased investments in anti-phishing technologies, surpassing investments in other regions.

The study, commissioned by Akamai and conducted by Technology Advice, surveyed over 200 tech leaders across various regions including Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China, offering insights into the evolving priorities and challenges faced by Asia’s digital native businesses.

**About Akamai**

Akamai is a global leader in powering and securing online experiences. It helps companies build, deliver, and protect their digital services, reaching billions of users daily. Akamai’s extensive edge and cloud platform, Akamai Connected Cloud, enhances app delivery and security. For more information on Akamai’s services, visit their website or follow them on social media.