IT priorities remain stable despite downturn

The credit crunch can help drive projects that fundamentally alter the way an organisation operates

IT managers across the UK are optimistic about the impact that the economic downturn will have on their IT priorities, according to a recent survey by hosted services provider Getronics.

Although some analyst firms are predicting that IT spending will be slashed, Getronics' research suggests that over two-thirds of organisations expect their IT strategy to remain the same, and 24 per cent say that it will be more aggressive.

However, Getronics believes that the focus on technology and the way the IT departments conduct themselves will change in the coming months, particularly as companies begin setting out budgets for 2009.

Speaking at a roundtable event discussing the research, Charles Ward, chief operating officer of IT trade association Intellect, said that the credit crunch can help drive "transformational projects" that fundamentally alter the way an organisation operates.

"Of course there will be short-term pressures on costs and investment proposals, but it is clear that the smart use of IT can support businesses in this unfortunate economic climate," he said.

Many businesses are looking at ways to trim unnecessary spend, and are trying to get better use out of existing technology as well as turning to third parties for hosted services and similar models.

According to the panel, this shift highlights many companies' desires to cut down on capital expenditure while growing operational expenditure, thereby allowing fluctuations within the business while minimising risk.

"Necessity is the mother of invention. With shrinking budgets companies need to be more creative, maximise existing assets, do more thinking about what results they want to get and what they're willing to spend to get them," said Dave Baldwin, UK managing director of Getronics.

"IT managers are quite right to be positive and forward looking in their str ategies, and this is a time for them to rise up and shine. Technology will always evolve and companies that offer something truly original, which saves time and demonstrates instant savings, will prosper in a downturn."

The survey also revealed that security and business continuity are at the top of the priority list, while sustainability and green issues were rated the lowest concerns.