dcVAST recently polled hundreds of IT professionals from Midwest-based companies, in a wide range of industries with annual revenues ranging from $50M to over $10B. The goal of the survey was to better understand their near-term IT strategies, objectives and concerns.
Though unscientific, the survey provides insights into what the future might bring for IT departments, their organizations, and their support and service networks. Note also that CIOs were allowed to select more than one response from each category, so the responses will add up to more than 100% in each category.
Current strategy: Invest in new technologies while reducing cost.
More than 2/3rds of CIOs plan to "invest in new technologies", while nearly that many plan to "reduce IT spending" overall. Yes, many CIOs chose both strategies. While that may seem contradictory, many are finding that new technologies can actually drive IT savings. Not surprisingly "expanding the IT organization" and "application development" were the bottom two choices.
"Selective outsourcing, which allows you to take advantage of new technologies without increasing headcount or capital expenditure is something we are seeing more and more with our clients," says David Cintron, VP Managed Services. In a related question, CIOs are most unhappy with the "cost of service" from their current services providers. "Response time" was a close second, with "technical knowledge coming in third.
In a related question, CIOs are most unhappy with the "cost of service" from their current services providers. "Response time" was a close second, with "technical knowledge coming in third.
New technologies: Mobility edges out data management and cloud computing
More than half of the CIOs are planning to deploy "mobility" technologies in the next twelve months. Just under half are considering "data management" and "cloud computing." Once hot "social media" is now at the bottom of the list, with fewer than 10% considering new investments in the technology.
When asked about their customers’ biggest challenges, the surveyed CIOs chose the economy more than 60% of the time. "Financial resources" and "staffing resources" were second and third respectively, with "government regulations" at the bottom of customer concerns.
What are your near-term IT strategies objectives? Are you also looking to reduce cost while adding functionality and technology? Are mobility, data management and/or cloud computing on your radar? Would you like a complimentary assessment of your cloud, backup or disaster recovery roadmap … or help determining the ROI behind your next initiative?
dcVAST, the response time leaders, is at your service and support. Contact us at 800-445-2786, info@dcvast.com or fill out the online form.