Cost reduction, data protection and performance, as well as customer care, remain at the top of European SMBs’ business agendas for 2013, according to a new study by International Data Corporation (IDC).
Consistently, the most important objectives for the IT organisation are data-related. European SMBs continue to value flexibility and alignment with the business as key features of IT systems, while keeping an eye on costs.
IT and business objectives are closely intertwined, and although IT managers will continue to play a key role in the IT spending decision-making process, the final purchasing decision increasingly lies with business functions. Therefore, it is key for vendors to convey the right message and appeal to business managers by demonstrating a deep understanding of their needs.
Starting from an assessment of the key business initiatives for 2013 by company size and vertical market, this survey-based study reviews the short-term objectives for the IT organisation that are key to better supporting the business.
“This year’s survey highlights an increased focus on cost-reduction initiatives, which have overtaken sensitive data protection in terms of importance in the SMB segment,” says Serena da Rold, programme manager, IDC European Industry Solutions.
“The top objectives for the IT organisation confirm a strong focus on data security and on integrated access to the company’s applications and to the information that they hold.”
Consistently, the most important objectives for the IT organisation are data-related. European SMBs continue to value flexibility and alignment with the business as key features of IT systems, while keeping an eye on costs.
IT and business objectives are closely intertwined, and although IT managers will continue to play a key role in the IT spending decision-making process, the final purchasing decision increasingly lies with business functions. Therefore, it is key for vendors to convey the right message and appeal to business managers by demonstrating a deep understanding of their needs.
Starting from an assessment of the key business initiatives for 2013 by company size and vertical market, this survey-based study reviews the short-term objectives for the IT organisation that are key to better supporting the business.
“This year’s survey highlights an increased focus on cost-reduction initiatives, which have overtaken sensitive data protection in terms of importance in the SMB segment,” says Serena da Rold, programme manager, IDC European Industry Solutions.
“The top objectives for the IT organisation confirm a strong focus on data security and on integrated access to the company’s applications and to the information that they hold.”