In October, according to ZDNet, research based on 500 opinions each month indicates that software has reclaimed its position as the second most important category after wireless technology. This shift has pushed hardware upgrades down to the third position.
ZDNet assesses software projects, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for companies, which are currently at an average of 25% this year, trending down to 21% in the next 12 months. Similarly, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions are expected to decrease from an average of 19% last year to 15% this year.
Currently, both wired and wireless network projects are of significant interest to users, accounting for an average of 16% of expenses over the past 12 months compared to the same period last year. Network projects are projected to reach 24% next year, with VoIP solutions alone expected to account for over a quarter of the total value.
Regarding hardware upgrades, servers account for 47% and storage system projects represent 24% over the past 12 months. Looking ahead to next year, server projects are expected to decrease by 4%, while the share of storage systems will remain stable.
In the field of network security, ranking fourth, preparations for web service protection account for 40% and may decrease to 27% next year. Conversely, authentication and encryption solutions are projected to increase from the current 15% to 23% next year.
The table below illustrates the order of importance in IT planning over the last 12 months:
Type of Service/Technology | Current Importance |
Wired/Wireless Networks | 1 |
Software Architecture | 2 |
Hardware Upgrades | 3 |
Web Technology | 4 |
Security | 5 |
IT Management | 6 |
Operating System Upgrades | 7 |
Data Management | 8 |
Application Integration and Development | 9 |
N.T.T
