The data has indicated that organisations will be prioritising cybersecurity above all technology areas, with 56 per cent of respondents saying that it is their focus over the next 12 months.
Kieron Newsham, chief technologist for cybersecurity, Softcat, said, “It’s clear from the report’s findings that organisations are yet again recognising the importance of cybersecurity amid the relentless pace of technological advancement and evolving threats.
“To truly mitigate risk, organisations must be resilient. They can do this by being wary of how new technologies can increase threats while embracing and utilising them to recover and normalise operations after cyber incidents.”
Organisations are also prioritising digital workspace, with ‘devices and end user computing’ the second most cited technology investment area for over a third of organisations over the next year (39 per cent of respondents).
Data is the third most important technology area, with 28 per cent of customers citing it as a priority area over the next 12 months, followed by networking and connectivity (25 per cent) and datacentre and private cloud (18 per cent).
The report also highlighted the importance of AI, its potential to reshape business and technology and how organisations should balance the scales of opportunity and responsible AI use.
Sustainability is also high on the agenda for many businesses, with more than three times more respondents citing it as a priority, up from 19 per cent in 2022.
Richard Wyn Griffith, chief commercial officer, Softcat, added, “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology, it is essential that we remain vigilant and adaptable. The past year has seen global unrest, but it has also presented us with countless technological opportunities for growth and innovation.
“By taking a measured and strategic approach, we can effectively manage the risks associated with emerging technology, while also seizing the opportunities that it presents. It is critical that we remain proactive in our efforts to safeguard against cyber threats, integrate AI into our operations, and build digital resilience.
“Only by embracing change and remaining steadfast in our commitment to progress can we hope to thrive in this new age of digital transformation. I look forward to continuing to work with our customers towards a brighter future!”
The full findings from the 2023 Softcat Business Tech Priorities Report can be downloaded here. The report surveyed more than 4,000 customers from 2,900 organisations in the UK and Ireland, across 27 industries in both the public and private sectors.