Cybersecurity, cloud and 5G are top UK investment priorities

Based on responses from 2,000 UK respondents working in IT roles, the study found almost unanimous (97%) belief that the modernising of their IT systems is important to making sure their business remains competitive. This includes almost two in five (37%) who say this is essential. When asked to identify investment priorities over the next five years, respondents called out cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and 5G as their top priority. These areas were also consistently second or third on respondents’ list, with cybersecurity featuring in the top three for the most respondents overall. Other investment priorities highlighted include artificial intelligence and edge which are fourth and sixth in terms of overall investment priority.

These findings build on the biennial Dell Technologies Digital Transformation Index, which assesses digital businesses around the globe. This research found that the majority (53%) of businesses have not come close to realising their digital transformation goals and consequently IT investment is on the rise.

Cybersecurity planning centres on protecting against data loss and ensuring businesses continuity

The survey suggests UK businesses are taking action to combat cyber threats, with 83% of respondents stating their organisation accelerated its implementation and adoption of new cybersecurity measures and systems. When asked about their cybersecurity concerns, half (50%) think data loss is the biggest risk to their business from a cyber-attack. Nearly two in five (37%) say they would be concerned about their business ceasing to function and just over a third (34%) worry about financial implications.

The survey also suggests, however, that smaller businesses are less concerned about cyber-attacks with 28% of business with 0 – 5 or 6 – 49 employees stating they are not concerned about anything related to a cyber-attack.

“British businesses continue to grapple with the two biggest existential threats they’ve faced in decades: the pandemic and cybercrime. It’s not surprising that responding to both remain top priorities,” said Dayne Turbitt, senior vice president and general manager, Dell Technologies in the UK.

“However, if British businesses are to be competitive in the global digital economy investment in edge computing and artificial intelligence needs to start now. At Dell Technologies we believe that edge computing will have transformative impact from retail and manufacturing to smart cities and hospitals. We are working closely with our UK customers to provide best-in-class studied on how it can benefit their business and the whole economy.”

Other findings include:

· On IT investment:

o Eighty-five percent say their organisation is planning to increase its use of cloud infrastructure, with a third (33%) stating this will happen in the next year.

o Adapting to home and hybrid working is a theme of IT investment in 2021, with 16% investing most in collaboration tools

§ This is followed by remote connectivity infrastructure and remote workforce devices (both 14%).

o Sixty-five percent believe IT/storage admin staff will become more influential in IT purchasing decisions and sixty-two percent feel the same about CIOs.

§ By comparison, only 46% feel CEOs / managing directors will become more influential in making these decisions.

o Overall, IT workers recognise that having modernised and updated IT infrastructure is critical to the success of their businesses, with 97% believing this is important for them to remain competitive.

· On sustainability:

o Eighty-five percent say the sustainability of IT products and services they buy influences what IT products they buy.

o IT workers also feel IT vendors could be more sustainable, with almost three quarters (74%) agreeing with this, compared to just fifteen percent say they do not think anything needs to change.