Since moving to Spain, I’ve noticed something striking in contrast to any other country I've lived in: life happens outside, almost all the time. The weather invites people into the streets, and you can find small family-run shops literally on every corner. In the Netherlands, where I lived before, so much of shopping had moved online — out of necessity as much as convenience. Here in Andalusia, though, people still love the ritual of browsing, chatting, and discovering in person. It reminded me that physical shops aren’t just places to buy, they’re experiences in themselves.

This observation connects directly to my work. In my role running Customer HI've ealth for EMEA at ServiceNow, I often speak with retail leaders about the challenges they face. Margins are tight, online competition is fierce, but the shops that stand out are the ones doubling down on customer experience. And again and again, I hear the same question: how do we take the basics of a great storefront and amplify them with AI, so every visit feels personal, seamless, and worth the trip?

Recently, after wandering through some of Jerez’s small shopping streets, I found myself reflecting on that exact connection: the warmth of traditional shopfronts and the modern tools that can make them even stronger.

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved far beyond being an experimental luxury for big tech. It’s now a core driver of competitiveness for businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Organisations that integrate AI deeply — not just in isolated tools but across strategy, operations, product development, and customer experience — are gaining measurable advantages in speed, revenue, risk mitigation, and innovation.

Here are a few numbers to show how fast things are moving:

• In 2024, 78% of organisations reported using AI in at least one business function, up from 55% the year before.
• The global AI market was valued around $233-294 billion in 2024-2025, with projections to reach between $1.7 and $1.8 trillion by 2030-2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 30%.
• Generative AI alone is expected to unlock $2.6 to $4.4 trillion in economic value
  — across productivity, new products/services, cost savings, etc.

As someone who spends her days at ServiceNow focusing on how technology empowers businesses to operate seamlessly, I’ve witnessed first‑hand the biggest fear IT leaders grapple with when it comes to cloud migration: downtime. The mere mention can trigger sleepless nights, tense meetings, and contingency plans with more paper than purpose.

But here’s the truth — moving from on‑premise to the cloud doesn’t have to be a nail‑biter. Done right, it’s not just achievable, it’s expected.

Here’s how to make the leap without breaking things (or trust).

How to Seamlessly Transition from On-Premise to Cloud Without Downtime

The digital marketplace has exploded in recent years, with the latest statistics revealing a staggering figure of over 30 million online businesses fighting for attention across the globe. This unprecedented growth has simultaneously intensified the battle for consumer engagement. In this hyper-competitive landscape, simply having an online presence is no longer enough. Brands are facing an uphill struggle to cut through the noise, capture the fleeting attention of online shoppers, and cultivate loyalty that translates into repeat purchases.

The challenge lies not just in attracting new customers but also in nurturing those relationships to foster a sense of connection and value. Today's consumers have a plethora of options at their fingertips. They demand more than just a product or service; they seek seamless experiences, personalised interactions, and brands that resonate with their values. This requires a strategic and multifaceted approach to online sales, moving beyond traditional marketing tactics and embracing innovative strategies that build trust and drive conversions.

They say first impressions matter - and when it comes to your business, they start long before a customer walks through the door. Continuing the discussion around getting people in your shop, the way your exterior looks can influence whether someone decides to step inside or keep walking. A welcoming, well-maintained space signals professionalism and care, while a neglected one can turn potential customers away.

In a previous post about attracting more shoppers to your retail space, we explored strategies for increasing foot traffic. But getting people to your door is only half the battle - your exterior plays a crucial role in converting that interest into action.

So, whether you run a retail shop, office, warehouse, or manufacturing facility, your exterior should reflect the quality of what’s inside. Here’s how you can make sure it does.

How to Make a Great First Impression with Your Business Exterior