Research reveals UK companies still failing to overcome security threats
UK companies are under-spending on IT security and not doing enough to protect their assets, despite the fact that three quarters of organisations suffer at least one serious virus incident each year. This is one of five key conclusions drawn by Butler Group, Europe's leading IT research and advisory organisation, based on its analysis of results from the Q3 2005 "UK IT Priorities Survey", undertaken by ZDNet.co.uk, the UK's leading technology website and a property of CNET Networks UK. The survey also clearly indicates that a large proportion of IT professionals' time is being taken up by managing challenges created by existing IT investments, as opposed to new initiatives that bring competitive advantage or improved service to their organisations.
The "UK IT Priorities Survey" provides a real-time snapshot of business technology priorities and a comprehensive view of the practical issues affecting IT professionals in the UK.
Results from the survey reveal that the number one IT priority of UK technology professionals is security, and that this will become even more important over time. Yet, despite this awareness, it is clear that many organisations continually under-spend on IT security.
"The majority are failing to address the need to implement an integrated set of security solutions that could deliver real operational value and protection, instead preferring to focus investments on fire-fighting the latest threat model," says Alan Rodger, Research Analyst with Butler Group. "UK companies must change their thinking; security should be viewed as a business-enabling solution incorporating the flexibility to grow and adapt alongside the business operation that it is there to protect - not as a necessary evil."
The 836 complete responses to the "UK IT Priorities Survey" were wholly assembled from contributions of ZDNet.co.uk readers. Respondents were invited to mark which technologies they considered to be most important to their organisation and about the motivation behind their selection. Motivators included managing risk, increasing the productivity of users, saving money, increasing competitiveness, aiding compliance, and easing management of the technology department.
Other findings from the survey reveal:
- Application development is considered a key factor in improving organisational competitiveness and increasing user productivity, but only an average of 20 percent of the IT budget is invested in this area.
- Mail and Messaging Management: email is already a critical business system responsible for communicating and storing more than 60 percent of business information, but instant messaging is seen as the way forward for improving users' productivity.
- Companies are striving to achieve greater efficiency in their IT Management. This is considered fundamental in the face of ongoing pressure to manage risk and increase productivity and competitiveness.
- Networking issues and their impact on daily operations are great concerns for the IT professional. The IT infrastructure must evolve in order for the virtual office concept to become reality, and UK companies are clearly responding to the demands of their workforce: almost 70 percent of respondents intend to implement remote access, 54 percent Wi-Fi and 48 percent internet telephony.
"The latest IT Priorities report is an essential tool for senior IT professionals," said Andrew Donoghue, Insight Editor, ZDNet.co.uk. "Not only does it enable them to track which technologies are becoming more commoditised and homogenous, but they can also learn about what their peers are doing and the impact new technologies will have on their company bottom line. This is vital information for IT decision-makers who face increasing pressure to justify their IT priorities and expenditure. The findings are also of high value to the ZDNet editorial team as they enable us to focus on the issues that matter most to our audience."
Overall it is clear from the UK survey that a large proportion of IT professionals' time is being taken up by managing the challenges created by existing IT investments, rather than on new initiatives that will bring competitive advantage or improved service to their organisations. As such, Butler Group stresses that companies must implement methods to more accurately measure IT costs and value.
A full copy of the report can be obtained by contacting prbutlergroup@datamonitor.com
Ends
Notes to Editors:
UK IT Priorities Survey in association with Butler Group, Europe's leading IT research and advisory organisation
ZDNet.co.uk launched the IT Priorities research programme in 2003. Q3 2005 results of this in-depth survey of a cross-section of IT professionals have been analysed by Butler Group, Europe's leading IT research and advisory organisation, to create the "UK IT Priorities Survey" reference report with exclusive information on the technologies that UK companies see as vital now and over the next 12 months. The report provides valuable information for IT decision-makers who face increasing pressure to justify their IT priorities and expenditure.
Alan Rodger is a Research Analyst with Butler Group. To arrange an interview or for further information about this research and related reports, please contact:
Krishna Rao T: +44 20 7675 7271
E: prbutlergroup@datamonitor.com OR E: krao@datamonitor.com
About Butler Group
Butler Group (www.butlergroup.com) is Europe's leading independent IT Research and Advisory organisation. Its mission is to ensure that its clients are the most comprehensively informed IT and business managers on current, emerging, and future technology matters, and their impact on business - in short, "Analysis without compromise". Butler Group has established an enviable reputation for the impartiality and incisiveness of its research and opinions. This is evidenced by a client base encompassing over 40% of the top 100 companies in each of Butler Group's key markets. Butler Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Datamonitor Plc (www.datamonitor.com)
About ZDNet UK
ZDNet.co.uk, a property of CNET Networks UK, is the first stop for technology decision-makers who need authoritative, analytical and insightful coverage of the latest developments in technology. The site provides an invaluable perspective on business technology and is the leading resource for technology purchasing and planning - engaging technology decision makers as they move from business need to vendor solution.
About CNET Networks UK
CNET Networks UK is a part of CNET Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: CNET), a worldwide media company and creator of content environments for the interactive age. CNET Networks Inc. is headquartered in the US and has offices in 12 countries globally, including the UK. CNET Networks takes pride in being "a different kind of media company", creating richer, deeper interactive experiences by combining the wisdom and passion of users, marketers and its own expert editors. CNET Networks UK focuses on the business technology, personal technology and entertainment categories through six UK-focused websites: ZDNet.co.uk, silicon.com, Builder UK, CNET.co.uk, atlarge.com, and GameSpot UK. CNET Networks UK also delivers one-to-one services through its direct marketing arm CNET Direct.
