Softcat study reveals priority tech investments for smarter digital transformation

A new report by leading providers of IT infrastructure, Softcat, offers an exclusive look at the tech investments businesses are prioritising in the year ahead for smarter digital transformation. 

The findings are based on the views of more than 1,800 customers in the UK and Ireland, across 27 corporate and public sectors. 

The report, which is produced annually, reveals organisations are now prioritising Cyber Security above all other technology areas, with 62% of organisations saying that it is their focus over the next 12 months. 

Adam Louca, Softcat’s Chief Technologist for Security, explained: "This figure is understandable. More organisations are recognising the vital role cyber security plays in enabling their tech adoption and unlocking further opportunities for innovation. Rising investment levels and C-suite buy-in reflect this evolving mindset, one that is moving away from an ad-hoc reactive threat response.  

“It’s clear from the report’s findings that organisations understand that cyber security must underpin every part of digital transformation and investment needs to be a long-term strategy. This ensures that gains made are not lost as hybrid working and cloud approaches evolve." 

After Cyber Security, Devices is the second most cited technology investment area for the next year as organisations continue to invest in the digital workspace (46% of respondents). 

At a time of skills shortages and the great resignation, equipping staff with the right devices and tools they need to work well from anywhere will deliver productivity gains and a high-quality and secure employee experience. 

Hybrid Infrastructure is the third most important technology investment area, with 21% of customers citing Datacentre and Private Cloud as a priority area over the next 12 months, followed by Public Cloud (17%) and Managed Infrastructure and Support Services (16%). 

Over the past few years of on-off disruption, cloud technologies have proven they're enterprise-ready, offering organisations the scalability, flexibility, and greater efficiency. But modernising in the right way is key to releasing the true value when investing in cloud solutions.  

In response, organisations are moving towards a hybrid approach to ensure the user and customer experiences are consistent, deliver value and achieve the required business outcomes.  

It’s clear from the survey findings that sustainability is moving higher up the agenda for many businesses, large and small, with 19% of respondents citing it as a priority this year, up from 9.6% in 2021.  

Richard Wyn Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the findings:  

"The past year has been one of transition and adjustment for our customers after the disruption and uncertainty of recent years.   

“Today, organisations are focused on switching off ‘emergency’ digital transformation mode and turning on smarter digital transformation, setting a clear and concise roadmap for the deployment of new technologies.  

“This will help them to remain agile in the face of new headwinds – from rising inflation to skills shortages and supply chain delays – as well as taking positive action towards our shared sustainability goals.   

“One thing is certain; it will be the digitally mature businesses who prosper in the future.”