Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of the next major wave of digital transformation. That’s the message from Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy, who recently declared that AI is as transformative as the internet itself. Speaking at a recent industry event, Ramaswamy emphasized how AI is rapidly reshaping the way businesses operate, much like the internet did decades ago.
A Historic Shift in Technology
Sridhar Ramaswamy, who took the reins as CEO of data cloud company Snowflake in 2024, is known for his deep belief in data-driven innovation. Drawing parallels between the emergence of the internet in the 1990s and today’s AI revolution, he pointed out that AI is no longer experimental—it’s operational, scalable, and indispensable.
Just as the internet disrupted everything from communication to commerce, AI is now doing the same across sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing.
From Big Data to Smart Data
Ramaswamy highlighted how companies are moving from big data to intelligent data, using AI to not just store or analyze information, but to generate insights, automate tasks, and predict outcomes. Snowflake, a platform that empowers organizations to unify and mobilize data at scale, has been at the forefront of this transition.
He stated that AI models are only as powerful as the data they’re trained on—and platforms like Snowflake make it easier for enterprises to harness high-quality, secure, and well-governed data to fuel AI applications.
AI is Not Just a Tool—It’s a Strategy
According to Ramaswamy, AI isn’t just a feature that companies should add to their products—it should be a core part of their strategic vision. From customer support chatbots to real-time fraud detection and personalized marketing, AI is becoming an essential engine of efficiency and growth.
He also emphasized the importance of responsible AI development, pointing to the need for transparency, ethical usage, and strong data governance to ensure AI benefits everyone.
The Road Ahead
With Snowflake investing heavily in AI integrations and partnerships, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the next era of enterprise technology. Ramaswamy believes that just like the internet created the digital economy, AI will give rise to an intelligent economy—where automation, prediction, and personalization define success.
In conclusion
Sridhar Ramaswamy’s bold statement underscores what many in tech already feel: AI is not just the future—it is the present, and its transformative power rivals that of the internet. As businesses adapt, those who embrace AI strategically will be best positioned to lead in the years to come.
