Foundations of digital success: Expert insights from Elitmind’s leaders

20 February 2025

 

 

As a leading partner of tech giants like Microsoft, Databricks, and Snowflake, Elitmind has a unique perspective on the evolving IT landscape.

In an exclusive interview with Piotr Waszczuk from IT WIZ, Elitmind’s leadership – Robert Woźniak, CEO and Co-founder, and Maciej Chojnacki, Head of Delivery & Technology – share their insights on how the company navigates current market trends while maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality, secure, and data-driven solutions.  

Delve into their discussion to understand why successful AI implementation requires more than just the latest tools and how Elitmind’s expertise in data platforms, security, and cloud solutions is helping companies build sustainable competitive advantages. 

 

1. How do you assess the trends of change in the global IT market? Which of these will be most significant in the long term?

 

Robert Woźniak (R.W.): The key areas are AI, the further development of cloud computing, and cyber security. However, what is transforming the market is the evolution of the approach to these technologies. 

For example, in the context of AI, for the past two years, we have been talking primarily about large language models (LLM). What we forget, however, is that AI is not just the fashionable term for chatbots but, above all, the experience derived from the whole area of Machine Learning, data platforms, and applications, i.e., the appropriate use of the technologies that we at Elitmind have been developing for nine years. 

We are now seeing a stabilization and realization of the trend of applying AI in the LLM area. Companies are moving from ‘let’s do a hackathon on AI’ to ‘we need a solid knowledge base and a well-designed infrastructure for AI’. This is a fundamental shift. The market is beginning to understand that effective AI deployment requires a solid foundation – a well-designed AI Landing Zone at a cloud provider and an AI Knowledge Database. 

One such foundation is data and its quality. We devote much of our work to data quality in our AI implementation projects. This quality determines the ultimate usability of the solution for its intended purposes. For example, a chatbot will return incorrect information without a good basis for quality data. 

There are absolutely no shortcuts in the area of data quality. Usually, the most significant barrier in the AI projects we carry out is data quality. If an organization has not dealt with these issues properly to date, sorting them out and processing them after the fact will be a time-consuming and costly exercise. This is why it is so essential for companies to plan and implement the right data platforms as early as possible – so that they have a good basis for exploiting the advantages that AI is giving – and will continue to give – in the market. 

The low-hanging fruit of popular AI applications, such as chatbots for call centers or AI assistants, has already been broken. Companies are now looking to AI not only for cost optimization but, more importantly, for new revenue paths. This is a key shift in the perception of the role of artificial intelligence in business. 

An equally important trend is cyber security, especially in the context of Data Security. New EU regulations place high demands on companies, regardless of the infrastructure used. At Elitmind, we have long promoted a comprehensive approach to data security. Our data platforms, including AI Landing Zone, are designed with the highest security standards in mind. This is becoming not so much an added value as an absolute necessity in today’s business environment. 

Looking to the future, I am convinced that companies investing in a solid AI foundation based on well-designed data platforms and rigorous security standards will gain a significant competitive advantage. 

 

2. What technologies and technological trends are currently attracting the most interest in the Polish – and, more broadly, global – market? 

 

Maciej Chojnacki (M.Ch.): The key trends remain relatively stable over time. What changes is the phase of their implementation and the maturity of the market? Take the AI above. Despite years of solutions on the market, we see Microsoft OpenAI and Databricks GenAI taking the lead in this area, setting new standards for the industry. 

From a data platform perspective, the market is highly dynamic. At Elitmind, we focus on three key technologies: Databricks, Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake. Although competing against each other, these platforms are setting the stage for the Data Management sector as a whole. Moreover, their competition is causing these platforms to grow unprecedentedly and scale. We should emphasize a good analysis of what technology we want to bet on and what goals we want to achieve. It is essential to know what competencies we have in the company and how to consciously choose a solution that will have the chance to be adopted as soon as possible. 

The evolution in the area of infrastructure is fascinating. We are seeing complete agnosticism here – both AWS, Azure, and GCP count. The key trends in this segment are automation, DevOps, and, increasingly, DevSecOps. We are seeing a growing interest in multi-cloud architectures and end-to-end cloud entry and exit strategies. This shows how mature the market is becoming and how aware our customers are. 

Security of cloud solutions is no longer just a trend but an absolute necessity. At Elitmind, we have long regarded this as an integral part of every project, which is now becoming a market standard. While major technology trends may seem stable, the way they are implemented and the level of sophistication of companies in adopting them are constantly evolving. 

 

3. Are AI and GenAI the dominant trends in business projects being implemented today? What practical significance does the AI Act have here? 

 

R.W.: AI and GenAI are not yet dominant trends in our business projects. Yes, we are seeing a significant increase in interest in these technologies, but most projects are still Proof of Concept or Minimum Viable Product. However, these are often not followed by commercialization. 

This is a natural tendency of the market, showing common sense and looking for business value and ROI from a solution. At the same time, the very presence of AI in the market contributes to the popularization of automation and Machine Learning solutions. This is a significant step in companies’ technological development. 

The impact of EU regulations such as the AI Act or DORA cannot be overlooked. These directives have a direct effect on contract and solution design, especially in the context of security. These are key aspects that we must consider at every deployment stage. 

It is also worth noting that the progressive ‘AI-isation’ is significantly impacting the efficiency of the IT sector. Tools such as DevOps Copilot or GenAI in Databricks improve substantially the quality and efficiency of work in our industry. This is proof that AI is not only transforming our customers’ businesses but also revolutionizing the way we, as an IT sector, deliver our services. 

 

“Looking to the future, I am convinced that companies investing in a solid AI foundation based on well-designed data platforms and rigorous security standards will gain a significant competitive advantage” – Robert Woźniak, CEO & Co-founder of Elitmind

 

4. What is the perception of the cloud computing model today? Why the return to the on-premise model or hybrid cloud, as seen in some companies? 

 

M.Ch.: We are not seeing a significant return to the on-premises model. Cloud computing remains the dominant trend and environment for modern business initiatives. However, it is crucial to understand that the cloud is not a one-size-fits-all solution appropriate for every need or use case. 

At Elitmind, we have taken a strategic approach to this issue. Before every project, we conduct an in-depth analysis and design the architecture as step zero. This allows our clients to decide whether to implement a solution in or out of the cloud. We consistently educate our clients that investing in sound upfront analysis and architecture is not a cost but a saving. This approach protects against the potential loss of millions in erroneous architectural decisions. 

However, let’s remember that on-premises solutions cannot match cloud infrastructure when it comes to scalability, speed of deployment, or service availability. 

 

5. What technologies are the world’s major IT solution providers betting on today? Do their offerings’ development plans actually coincide with the needs of the market? 

 

R.W.: When we talk about the primary IT solution providers, we focus on the so-called BigTechs, which undoubtedly significantly impact shaping the market. This is a complex issue, as these companies do not just respond to needs but actively create them. On the one hand, this approach is positive – BigTechs open up new perspectives and opportunities for business. 

However, we notice a certain dissonance between their offerings and the market’s real needs. 

Take, for example, the current fascination with AI. While BigTechs are heavily promoting these solutions, there is still a massive demand in the market for fundamental aspects of data management. We are talking about automating data lakehouse solutions, optimizing the cost of building them, or advanced tools for data management and data quality. We must not forget that AI without a solid data foundation is like building a skyscraper without foundations. 

Moreover, we are seeing some marginalization of other key technologies. For example, the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) or 5G solutions, although somewhat overshadowed by the hype around AI, remains critical to the development of many business sectors, particularly IoT, which has a direct impact on the end-user experience. 

 

6. Around which business needs are new technology-based projects most often focused today? Is there any industry specificity here? 

 

R.W.: On the one hand, we have universal solutions that work in almost every industry. On the other hand, highly specialized tools are tailored to specific sectors. 

Take, for example, analytical and reporting solutions based on Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. We successfully implement these tools in the finance and controlling areas of various sectors. Effective planning, business monitoring, and reporting are universal needs. In turn, well-implemented systems in these areas form the basis for competitive advantage by enabling faster and more accurate decisions. 

At the same time, there are apparent differences between industries. The manufacturing sector has different priorities than retail, and logistics is different from healthcare or energy. Although technologically, we often use similar patterns, the end users and the specifics of the applications are radically different—from optimizing parcel handling to monitoring production processes or energy generation. 

The growing trend of hyper-personalisation is worth highlighting. This approach requires advanced customer-centric data platforms, such as the Customer Data Platform and Platform Data Science, the Feature Store. These implementations are demanding and highly specialized, but it is in such projects that Elitmind can make the most of its extensive experience and expertise. 

 

7. How have the characteristics of such projects changed over recent months/years? How is Elitmind adapting to these changes? 

 

R.W.: As a professional services firm, Elitmind stands out for its ability to adapt to current technologies and successfully implement the latest innovations. Our position as a leading partner of giants such as Microsoft, Databricks, and Snowflake allows us to draw on the best practices and solutions available in the market. 

Of course, maintaining our leadership position requires continuous development. That is why we constantly invest in upskilling our team. Our strategy is regularly updated, considering not only technological evolution but, above all, changing market needs. 

An example of our flexibility is the decision 2 years ago to develop the Infrastructure & Security division and to separate the AI domain from Data Platform & BI. These strategic moves have enabled us to take a precise and innovative approach to developing solutions. Our commitment does not end with implementation. We provide comprehensive support in maintaining both our and legacy solutions. This translates into exceptionally high levels of customer satisfaction. 

The foundation of our development is the Lean service philosophy. This approach allows us to remain a customer-focused company and compete effectively in the global market. 

 

“From a data platform perspective, the market is highly dynamic. At Elitmind, we focus on three key technologies: Databricks, Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake. Although competing against each other, these platforms are setting the stage for the Data Management sector as a whole. ” – Maciej Chojnacki, Head of Delivery & Technology at Elitmind

 

8. Which industries are leading the way in adopting technological innovations, and which focus more on getting the most out of more traditional solutions? 

 

R.W.: What stands out are companies in the service and sales sector rapidly adopting AI solutions. Examples include companies that previously struggled with inefficient call centers. Using AI has allowed them to increase their operational efficiency dramatically. In the media industry, AI supports the content creation and distribution, opening up new opportunities for personalization and optimization. 

On the other hand, highly regulated industries such as banking, insurance, or energy are characterized by a more cautious approach to innovation. However, this does not mean that they are lagging. Their process of adopting new technologies is simply more methodical and spread out over time. This is due to the need to meet regulatory requirements. 

At Elitmind, we have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and have implemented transformation projects in both the financial and energy sectors. These experiences confirm that even industries traditionally perceived as conservative seek innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs and regulatory constraints. 

 

9. How important is cyber security in IT projects today? To what extent is Elitmind involved in such projects? 

 

R.W.: Cyber security has become a fundamental aspect of any IT project. Shortly, it may be an even stronger trend than AI in its broadest sense. Moreover, we see an interesting synergy – AI is increasingly supporting cybersecurity solutions. 

Regulations such as NIS2 or DORA are profoundly impacting the transformation of Polish companies and institutions. These directives permeate the entire project lifecycle—from contract templates to implementation to maintenance and auditing of solutions. The most important challenge we face is designing them in advance and anticipating future regulations, even when specific guidelines are not clearly defined. At Elitmind, we have adopted a proactive approach. Every new project, especially for regulated companies, considers these directives at the conceptual stage. 

 

10. From your perspective, is there still a competence gap visible in the Polish IT market? 

 

M.Ch.: The competency gap in this market has always existed, although the competencies needed are changing. The primary catalyst for these changes is the BigTechs above, which are constantly innovating, often ahead of the market’s ability to adapt. 

We are seeing a closing of the gap in the market for data lakehouse engineers. However, there is an apparent shortage of DevOps specialists. The next challenge will likely be the need for DevSecOps experts and security and cybersecurity specialists. An interesting development is the evolution of needs in the AI sector. Indeed, this has been the dominant trend in the last six months, but we are now seeing some slowdown. The market still needs AI specialists, but the profile of competencies sought is changing. They are no longer exclusively Prompt Engineers, but rather professionals with versatile skills – combining the competencies of application architects, application engineers, and Data Science experts. 

From the perspective of companies like Elitmind, sourcing competencies is one of the biggest challenges. We think fast and act broadly, not only in the context of recruitment but also in competence building. Among other things, we run cyclical internship programs that allow us to train people in our key competencies. 

 

11. Are the effects of the economic slowdown evident in the Polish IT market? 

 

R.W.: To some extent, yes. We are seeing intense competition among IT companies and a reduction in customers’ investment budgets. At the same time, interest in optimization and technological innovation is growing. At the same time, companies and organizations have smaller budgets at their disposal but a wider choice of IT offerings. This leads to more cautious decisions, with price as a key factor. 

Customer reactions are varied – some see this situation as an opportunity for transformation, while others are waiting for a breakthrough. The bottom line, however, is that more and more companies are leaning towards proactive development, understanding that stagnation often means regression. 

 

12. What are the main points of Elitmind’s current strategy? In which areas are you developing your business? What technologies are you betting on? 

 

R.W.: Elitmind’s strategy is focused on delivering the highest-quality services and building lasting relationships with clients and technology partners. In today’s technology-saturated market, the key to success is not only implementation but, above all, quality. 

To meet these challenges, we have significantly strengthened the Customer Success & Growth team and established a new New Business department. As a result, our collaboration with partners and customers starts at the appropriate evangelization and education stage and continues through the implementation and long-term maintenance of solutions. We embrace a philosophy where the success of the customer or partner is our success, which drives continuous growth. 

We recognize that technology is a tool, and the foundation of our business is customer trust. Our role is not only to implement innovations but, first and foremost, to present them in an understandable way and use them optimally. That is why we offer a broad spectrum of services: from advanced analytics, AI, reporting, infrastructure, and CyberSec to specialized consulting and training. 

Technology, continuing strong partnerships with Microsoft, Databricks and Snowflake, while expanding our expertise into new areas such as dbt, UiPath or Cluedin for Master Data Management. This strategic diversification allows us to respond to the market’s and our customers’ rapidly changing needs. 

 

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The interview was conducted by Piotr Waszczuk for “ITWIZ” in October 2024