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Insights on Data, Platforms and AI
Practical insight on data, platforms and AI from people who deliver them.
The Cloud Formations blog focuses on what actually works in modern data programmes. We share lessons from real delivery, platform design decisions, and applied AI use cases, grounded in hands-on experience across strategy and execution.
Expect clear perspectives, technical depth where it matters, and content designed to help you make better decisions, not just follow trends.
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Unlocking the Value of AI for Your Business Series: Ep 5 - Why AI Governance is an enabler, not a blocker
With the final episode, we are going to focus on how we safely utilise AI through AI governance without making it a blocker to advancement.
Branden Millward
Mar 2
Unlocking the Value of AI for Your Business Series: Ep 4 - AI Agents and the Rise of Agentic AI
The next iteration of AI is moving away from hard coded models and towards AI Agents and how they interact and intergrate with humans.
Branden Millward
Feb 27
Unlocking the Value of AI for Your Business Series: Ep 3 - Explainable AI Making AI Transparent, Trustworthy, and Understandable
Now that we understand what is possible with AI, we should also understand how it generates the outputs and be able to explain any decisions that are made with AI.
Branden Millward
Feb 18
Unlocking the Value of AI for Your Business Series: Ep 2 - Key Considerations of AI
It is important to understand the various aspects of AI (Artificial Intelligence) before jumping in unaware, as the lack of planning early in a project can result in costly mistakes further down the line. This blog covers a brief overview of these considerations.
Branden Millward
Feb 9
Unlocking the Value of AI for Your Business Series: Ep 1 - Starting with the Basics
For many organisations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can seem complex, expensive, and out of reach. Yet, when approached with the right strategy, AI can become one of the most powerful enablers of growth and innovation.
Branden Millward
Feb 5
Beyond the Hype: What’s Really Happening in Data & AI in 2025
Cloud Formations have launched the 2025 Data & AI Frontline Survey to uncover what’s working, what’s changing, and what practitioners expect from the year ahead.
Daniel Addy
Dec 1, 2025
Using Metadata to Build a Robust Analytics Platform: From Introductory to Advanced Concepts
It is likely you’ve used some of these metadata attributes in data engineering tasks before, but what degree do you need to take it to?
Matt Collins
Nov 6, 2025
The Secret to Accelerated Delivery and ROI: A Cloud Shift Success Story
For many business leaders, driving progress is a constant challenge. Data projects often take too long, cost too much, and fail...
Cloud Formations
Sep 23, 2025
Untangling the Spaghetti: How to Overcome Legacy Platform Challenges
Legacy platforms often form the backbone of an organisation, yet their complexity and age can create significant hurdles. While these...
Cloud Formations
Aug 14, 2025
Transform Building Safety Data With Our Cloud Shift Toolkit: Your Solution For Golden Thread Implementation
The housing sector is evolving rapidly, facing challenges like building safety, operational efficiency, and fragmented data systems. At...
Cloud Formations
May 28, 2025
Empowering Utility Providers for Safer, Smarter Operations with The Cloud Shift Toolkit
Utility providers today operate in a complex and evolving environment. From outdated systems and stringent regulatory demands to meeting...
Cloud Formations
Apr 3, 2025
Driving Net Zero with Data Strategy: Cloud Formations at Utility Week Live 2025
Net zero isn’t just about energy transition—it’s about data. Smarter grids, improved efficiency, and minimal disruption to customers all...
Cloud Formations
Feb 27, 2025
Introducing CF.Cumulus™: The Intelligent Choice for Data Architecture
Data is messy. There are too many sources, too many pipelines, and too much time wasted. Meanwhile, AI is accelerating at breakneck...
Cloud Formations
Feb 27, 2025
How do I move items from "My Workspace" in Microsoft Fabric?
A simple approach to moving items from a personal Fabric workspace
Matt Collins
Oct 25, 2024
Why Data Culture Eats Data Strategy for Breakfast
Peter Drucker's famous sentiment that culture eats strategy for breakfast came to the forefront of my mind recently, this is why...
@mrpaulandrew
Oct 9, 2024
Sky Computing – Is it a thing?
Sky Computing – Is it a thing? Or are we just considering creating a platform of platforms, and do we need to?
@mrpaulandrew
Sep 17, 2024
Has There Been a Shift In The Challenges Facing Digital Native Companies?
Exploring the evolution of people, process and technology in the digital era.
@mrpaulandrew
Aug 12, 2024
Administering Microsoft Fabric - Considering Data Products vs Domains vs Workspaces
Administering Microsoft Fabric. Let me start with the questions I think we need to answer as we grow and evolve.
@mrpaulandrew
May 22, 2024
5 Common Mistakes in Developing a Data Strategy and How to Avoid Them
In an era where data has become the lifeblood of business, developing an effective data strategy is more important than ever. However,...
Daniel Addy
May 23, 2023
The Role of Data Strategy in Business Success
In today's hyper-competitive, data-driven world, the difference between success and stagnation can often be traced to one key factor: a...
Daniel Addy
May 23, 2023
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