AI is transforming how software gets built, but it’s also adding new layers of complexity. At GITEX Global 2025, DigitalOcean introduced Gradient AI – a unified platform that lets developers easily build, test and deploy AI agents without hyperscaler overhead, bringing powerful cloud tools within reach of teams everywhere. Suhaib Zaheer, SVP, Managed Hosting at DigitalOcean and GM, Cloudways, tells us more.
At GITEX Global 2025, one theme was clear: AI is changing how developers build, but it’s also creating new complexities. The current ecosystem is fragmented; developers often stitch together multiple tools across different platforms just to build one single agent.
This is the problem DigitalOcean is solving with its new platform, Gradient AI. It provides developers with one unified stack to build, test and deploy AI agents. DigitalOcean has already seen thousands of agents deployed in the first few months, making for a solid start. Smaller, distributed teams are now building software from anywhere – they don’t need hyperscaler budgets or large IT departments. DigitalOcean’s role is to democratise access by giving these builders powerful cloud and AI tools with straightforward pricing and 24/7 support.
The company sees the future moving towards intelligent collaboration, where developers will increasingly use natural language to manage their cloud infrastructure. Instead of manual setup, they’ll tell the cloud what to do. AI agents will handle the architecture and optimisation. This allows developers to focus on creativity and innovation, rather than repetitive setup and maintenance. Our goal is to provide hyperscaler horsepower without hyperscaler complexity.
The future is about making powerful technology simpler and more accessible for every developer, everywhere and this is part of a bigger change.
