IT teams are investing in 2022, but why?

IT teams have been called upon to start investing in 2022. Discover which areas have the focus and why IT teams are making a big investment.

IT teams have been given the green light to start spending in 2022. According to Gartner¹, forecasted global IT spend will exceed $4 trillion in 2022. An increase of 5.5% compared to 2021. But why is this investment taking place?

Businesses have assessed how they operated, acted and performed throughout the last two years of the pandemic. 69%² of board directors surveyed by Gartner have said they are accelerating digital business processes. Whilst 60% are focusing on improving operational excellence using digital technologies.

Businesses are responding to their assessments by giving their IT teams the control and budget. IT teams are being put in the driving seat and are leading digital projects and investment. No longer are IT teams simply implementing technology changes. They have been called upon to show how their teams can lead the conversations and deliver business value.

“Assign problems, not tasks. Traditionally, people on the business side come up with ideas and hand them to developers who are tasked with turning them into code. Instead, let developers contribute to the solution of business problems. Who knows better how to apply software to your business than people who deeply understand technology?” ³

Jeff Lawson, Harvard Business Review

Which areas are IT teams investing in?

If the last two years have taught businesses anything it’s that IT teams need to be proactive. Proactive approaches that lead projects and implement IT focused changes.

IT teams are therefore investing and focusing on areas that may not be on their typical agenda. Typical IT responsibilities such as infrastructure, hosting and software will still be part of the investment. But it is the investment of digital technologies where the focus lies.

APIs

APIs are the foundations for many digital technologies, allowing applications to communicate. APIs that allow social channels to communicate with e-commerce platforms. To APIs that allow accountancy software to communicate with digital administration solutions. Building APIs in the right places, for the right business purposes, is where IT teams will use their knowledge.

Cloud systems

Investing in replacing on-premises systems with cloud applications is a big focus for IT teams in 2022. A focus some businesses have already dealt with, allowing for easier and fast accessibility to data and systems.

AI and machine learning

IT teams are investing in AI technologies in 2022 that focus on creating robust security systems. AI can detect potential security breaches, and also learn and detect patterns to stop future breaches taking place. A priority for IT teams, especially those who also manage data and security.

Automation

IT teams are assessing business processes to see where the investment of automation technologies will add value. Allowing their business to focus on their core work, knowing automation technologies are taking care of the time-consuming, manual tasks.

Multichannel platforms

Businesses are changing their communication methods, as they have learnt that not one model suits all. IT teams are therefore implementing multichannel platforms that allow customers to choose how they want to engage. From online portals, apps, chatbots, SMS to email.

Why are IT teams investing in 2022?

Hybrid working

Businesses need to have the digital technologies in place to cater for the new future of hybrid working.

IT teams are investing in digital technologies that create seamless and secure hybrid working models. Technologies that allow for secure access to information. To technologies that automate tasks, meaning employees can be even more flexible in their working approach.

Security

Businesses need to show they are proactively securing their systems and preventing issues from taking place. Meaning IT teams are putting digital technologies in place to ensure information and data security is as robust and secure as it can be.

Reducing time and costs

IT teams are investing in technologies that will reduce the cost and time spent on manual business tasks. Such technologies free up internal resources and can also reduce the need for outdated office equipment and materials.

Modernising

Businesses don’t want to be left behind. An investment in digital technologies shows customers and employees how a business is modernising their organisation.

By investing in digital technologies, businesses are proactively putting systems in place to create easier ways of working and simpler ways for customers to engage.

Choosing the right technology partner

IT teams’ knowledge and expertise is paramount, but choosing the right digital technology providers is vital for their success.

At Unifiedpost Group, we work with IT teams to implement multichannel technologies that improve ways of working. From implementing technologies that reduce manual tasks, to technologies that engage customers and put their communication choices first.

Considering how important data security and business continuity is within a future-proofed IT investment, your business will have the confidence of our ISO and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditations. Taking away one less burden from IT teams tasks.

Explore our multichannel solutions and discover how partnering with the right provider creates a future-proofed investment.

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