Cost reduction, data protection and customer care are set to be the top priorities of European small to medium-sized businesses for 2013, according to a new report from IDC.
According to the report, the most prioritised objectives for the IT organisation remain data-related. European SMBs continue to measure flexibility and alignment with the business as key features of IT systems, while also concentrating on costs.
IDC European Industry Solutions programme manager Serena Da Rold said 2013’s survey highlights an increased focus on cost-reduction initiatives, which have overtaken sensitive data protection in terms of importance in the SMB segment.
"This year’s survey highlights an increased focus on cost-reduction initiatives, which have overtaken sensitive data protection in terms of importance in the SMB segment," Rold said. "The top objectives for the IT organisation confirm a strong focus on data security and on integrated access to the company’s applications and to the information that they hold," Rold said.
The report also revealed that IT and business objectives are closely related, while even though IT managers will continue to play a key role in processes related to the IT spending decision-making, the final purchasing decision depends on business functions.
This would mandate vendors to convey the right message and appeal to business managers by demonstrating a deep understanding of their requirements, the report added.
