IBM asked nearly 1,900 IT decision-makers at midsize organizations about their top IT priorities in 2009 and beyond. The survey found five specific trends that IBM highlighted for readers in its report, Inside the Midmarket: A 2009 Perspective.
Information management rated at the top of IT pro’s technology solution priority list, with 75% voting it an action-item.
The most pressing business challenge faced by IT leaders was increasing efficiency and productivity, a priority listed by 80% of respondents.
Other business challenges garnering high rankings included improving customer care, for which 74% voted high, and better use of information, ranked as important by 72% of participants.
The impact of the economy has only caused 37% of organizations to reduce their IT spending budget.
Approximately 39% of organizations reported that the economy has only made them change spending priorities, but are holding the line on budget totals.
14% of organizations say the impact of the economy has not had an effect—they’ll be increasing budgets this year.
In spite of prevailing market forces, more than two-thirds of participants reported they are planning or currently implementing their top IT priorities.
Approximately 79% percent intend to implement, have established goals, or have started/completed implementation of Green IT solutions, followed closely by social media/Web 2.0 (71%) and Cloud Computing (69%).
A majority of firms view their primary IT provider as a technology advisor or IT and business consultant, with 25% seeing the relationship as purely transactional.
The highest rated criteria when choosing an IT provider to partner with was having the expertise to help them work smarter, chosen by 70% of respondents.
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