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IT Investments Matter, but Cloud, Analytics Face Resistance

IT investments Technology ‘Pioneers’ Lead the Way But customers in North America are more likely to be “followers” than “pioneers.” About a third of the respondents identified themselves as technology pioneers. ‘Pioneers’ Reap the Rewards A full 64% of the “pioneers” say they are ahead of their competitors. Among the “pioneers,” 20% are growing at […]

Written By

Michael Vizard

Oct 1, 2014

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IT investments

Technology ‘Pioneers’ Lead the Way

But customers in North America are more likely to be “followers” than “pioneers.” About a third of the respondents identified themselves as technology pioneers.

‘Pioneers’ Reap the Rewards

A full 64% of the “pioneers” say they are ahead of their competitors. Among the “pioneers,” 20% are growing at 30% or more.

Drivers of IT Investments

Nearly two-thirds (65%) cite changing customer behaviors and expectations as the primary driver and ranked costs second, at 45%.

IT as Driver of Innovation

Only 3% view IT as a drain on resources. More than half (57%) of the respondents view IT as an investment to spur innovation.

Impact of IT on Business Model

29% of the “followers” also report significant change, as well. 54% of the “pioneers” said technology significantly changed their business model.

The ROI of IT

Higher customer satisfaction leads to recurring sales. Nearly three-fourths (72%) said technology investments have made organizations more responsive to customers.

Biggest Areas on IT Impact

Human resources came in last place. IT operations led at 56%, followed closely by marketing and customer service.

Technology Adoption Trends

Machine-to-machine came in last place. Mobile computing has been adopted extensively by 61%.

Biggest Use Case for Mobile Computing

IT operations surprisingly came in third. Marketing and sales, followed by customer service, are the top two use cases.

Top Analytics Adoption Issues

Analytics adoption needs additional attention. Cultural resistance to change was cited most, followed by either not appropriate or too risky.

Top Cloud Adoption Issues

Cost was the least significant issue. Cultural resistance to change led the list, followed by too much risk.

Biggest Obstacle to IT Success

It’s always a challenge to integrate with existing IT investments: 34% cited legacy technologies as the biggest issue.

Senior Management Involvement

But 25% also admit to having trouble prioritizing IT investments. 42% of senior executives are heavily involved in IT decisions.

Michael Vizard

Michael Vizard is a seasoned IT journalist, with nearly 30 years of experience writing and editing about enterprise IT issues. He is a writer for publications including Programmableweb, IT Business Edge, CIOinsight, Channel Insider and UBM Tech. He formerly was editorial director for Ziff-Davis Enterprise, where he launched the company’s custom content division, and has also served as editor in chief for CRN and InfoWorld. He also has held editorial positions at PC Week, Computerworld and Digital Review.

IT Investments Matter, but Cloud, Analytics Face Resistance

Michael Vizard

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