SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey of IT stakeholders from open-source pioneer Alfresco Software, a leading provider of content management and process automation, and Dimensional Research is a wake-up call for the C-suite. The report, “Digital Disruption: Disrupt or Be Disrupted,” is based on interviews with more than 300 digital transformation decision makers in the United States and the United Kingdom. The report reveals what industries are most and least likely to be disrupted in 2018, identifies the qualities of companies most likely to be disruptors, and concludes that cloud is key to digital transformation.
It’s a coin toss as to who wins and who loses
When it comes to their own companies, 50% of IT stakeholders think they are leaders and will disrupt, while 50% feel they are behind and will be disrupted by the competition in 2018. By industry, more telcos (65%) and technology (65%) companies predict they will be disruptors, while 17% of IT stakeholders working for government and non-profit organizations worry they will be disrupted.
According to Alfresco founder and CTO John Newton, “Today’s corporate leaders must realize that digital disruption is happening, and it’s happening right now. Those who don’t have a digital strategy in place and IT modernization initiatives underway are not likely to survive.”
Companies with vision and execution will disrupt
An important takeaway from this survey is what is most likely to propel a company into the disruptor position. According to IT stakeholders, the top predictors of success are IT vision and ability to implement new technologies:
- Vision of their technology leadership (62%)
- Ability of their technology teams to execute (58%)
- Capabilities of new technologies, such as cloud, AI and IoT (57%)
On the other hand, companies most likely to be disrupted are those that are lacking the vision and right levels of investment to succeed, specifically:
- Lack of budget and people resource investments (61%)
- Lack of vision among business leaders (48%)
- No willingness for company culture to embrace digital transformation (47%)
Furthermore, 70% of IT stakeholders believe business executives are taking too long to make the digital transformation leap; only 38% feel the technology team is holding them back. Another 78% feel that people changes are the most difficult, while 22% feel the technology changes are the most difficult.
Banking most likely to be hurt by digital transformation in 2018
The report also looked at which industries were most and least likely to be impacted by digital transformation this year – 40% of IT stakeholders say banking is most likely to be negatively impacted by failing to digitally transform in 2018, and a third (30%) say retail is the industry most likely to be improved by embracing digital transformation.
Industries most likely to be negatively impacted by failing to digitally transform include:
- Banking – 40%
- Government – 18%
- Insurance – 10%
Other industries likely to be improved by embracing digital transformation include:
- Retail – 30%
- Healthcare – 24%
- Manufacturing – 18%
- Airlines – 17%
- Transportation – 17%
Cloud is key to digital transformation
To achieve digital transformation quickly, companies need a technology infrastructure that can adapt quickly to change. Infrastructure clouds or infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) solutions enable companies to innovate quickly and respond more rapidly to changing business conditions, with minimal capital expense and maintenance costs.
- The vast majority (95%) of stakeholders say IaaS is important to their digital transformation
- 81% say they have achieved value from IaaS, but only 11% say they are doing everything they can and have maximized its value
About this research
An online survey was sent to an independent database of IT professionals with responsibility for digital transformation. A total of 307 qualified IT professionals completed the survey. All participants lived in the United States or United Kingdom and worked at companies with more than 500 employees. Each had responsibility for digital transformation decision making. Participants included a mix of job levels, company sizes and industries.
About Dimensional Research
Dimensional Research provides practical market research to help technology companies make their customers more successful. Our researchers are experts in the people, processes and technology of corporate IT. We understand how technology organizations operate to meet the needs of their business stakeholders. We partner with our clients to deliver actionable information that reduces risks, increases customer satisfaction, and grows the business. For more information, visit dimensionalresearch.com.
About Alfresco Software, Inc.
Alfresco Software, Inc. (“Alfresco”) is an enterprise open-source software company focused on advancing the flow of digital business. The company provides a better, more effortless way for people to work, making sure they have the information they need, exactly when they need it most. The Alfresco Digital Business Platform is used to digitize processes, manage content and securely govern information. Alfresco helps over 1,300 industry-leading organizations, including Cisco, Bank of NY Mellon, Capital One, US Department of Navy, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and NASA, be more responsive and competitive. Founded in 2005, Alfresco has its U.S. headquarters in San Mateo, California, and European headquarters in Maidenhead, UK. For more information on Alfresco, please visit http://www.alfresco.com.
