The role of information technology (IT) in setting strategic priorities and achieving business success is growing for companies around the world, according to new research released last week by CompTIA, the non-profit association for the IT industry. Not surprisingly, cloud remains a top priority for companies that want to use technology to gain the winning edge.
“Emerging technologies such as cloud computing continue to see adoption gains as well,” noted Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. “More than half of responding companies say they are either experimenting with or fully using cloud computing solutions.
More than three-quarters of businesses say technology is important or very important to their success; the majority plan solid increases in IT spending this year; and four in 10 have expectations of hiring new IT staff in 2013. CompTIA’s International Technology Adoption & Workforce Issues study is based on a survey of more than 1,250 business and IT executives in countries around the world, some with mature economies and others, maturing.
Top technology priorities for the next 12 months include:
- Cybersecurity
- Data storage and back-up
- Network infrastructure
- Web presence, including e-commerce
- Updating aging computers and software
Greater reliance on technology may prompt many businesses to increase their IT staff over the next 12 months. Skills rated as having the greatest importance include networks and infrastructure; database and information management; storage; IT support; and server and data center management. Many of these positions will also require technical skills in emerging areas such as cloud computing and mobility.
CLO Inside Track: Increasingly, businesses of all sizes are under pressure to do more with less – and that’s a natural enabling role that cloud technology can play. It’s worth noting, however, that businesses are growing increasingly concerned about the availability of advanced IT skills: more than half of companies expressed concern about the quality and quantity of IT talent available for hire. Real and perceived IT talent shortages further boost the value proposition of public clouds and/or professional services outsourcing.
(For more information visit http://www.comptia.org.)
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