NetApp CEO George Kurian said the primary battleground for artificial intelligence is data rather than the models themselves.

This shift in perspective suggests that while AI tools are becoming commoditized, the proprietary data used to train them creates the only sustainable advantage for businesses.

Kurian discussed the strategy during an interview with CNBC TV18's "Voices From The Valley." He said that most companies now have access to the same hardware and software foundations. "Everybody has access to the same chips… everybody has access to the same models," Kurian said.

Because the underlying technology is widely available, the value of AI is realized when businesses rethink their work processes. Kurian said that data becomes the competitive moat of an industry, allowing companies to differentiate their services through unique information assets.

This focus on data infrastructure is reflected in the company's financial outlook. NetApp forecasts revenue for the 2027 fiscal year to range between $7.325 billion and $7.575 billion [1]. The company expects this growth to be supported by continued enterprise AI demand.

Kurian also highlighted the company's recent performance. He said that fiscal year 2026 was a landmark year for NetApp, noting record results across revenue, gross profit, operating income, cash flow for operations, and free cash flow [2].

According to Kurian, the transition to AI requires more than just deploying new tools. He said that the real value emerges when companies integrate AI into a broader strategy of data management, and process redesign.

“"Data becomes the competitive moat of an industry."”

The assertion that data is the primary 'moat' reflects a broader trend in enterprise tech where the focus is shifting from the 'intelligence' of the model to the quality and exclusivity of the training data. For NetApp, this positions their data management services as essential infrastructure for companies attempting to avoid the commoditization of AI.