Many IT professionals think digital transformation is imperative for their organization’s survival, but a majority need significant help from outside partners, according to a recent report from cloud communications and managed security services provider Masergy.
The company commissioned research firm Webtorials to survey 100 IT professionals worldwide in January 2019, and found that 80 percent said transformation is imperative for survival while 64 percent said they need significant help from partners.
The top investments in technology to support digital transformation are focused on migrating to the cloud and IT security, the report said. There is also a “significant emphasis” on technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things.
More than half of the respondents (57 percent) said their preferred partners for transformation are smaller, agile service providers.
The primary benefits expected from digital transformation initiatives include enhancing the customer experience, remaining competitive in the industry, and streamlining business processes. The biggest hurdles are seen as commitment of budget and top-down support.
About two thirds of respondents (61 percent) see return on investment from digital transformation as more long-term and strategic than based on short-term results.
