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Is the Budget Set to Unveil IT Infrastructure as the Key to Recovery?

The Government are pledging that the looming Budget will announce focus on growth this month, yet it seems that British businesses, of medium size particularly, are already on the ball.
Finance, Technology - 11 March 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

A new report investigating comparative trends in the UK compared to other countries shows that UK business are focused on saving money, improving efficiency and improving how they communicate with their customers. It also reveals a growing level of confidence with a sharp expected increase in IT spend suggesting that businesses are looking beyond the recession. Many are looking to increase business investment in key areas such as their IT infrastructure.

This research has found that 62% of mid-sized businesses in the UK expect to increase their IT budgets over the next 12 to 18 months, which exceeds the global average, an increase of 51% since 2009. More than two-thirds of medium-sized firms are either planning or are currently deploying cloud-based technologies to improve IT systems management while lowering costs.

Firms are no longer clamping down on IT expenditures but are striking a balance with the aim of driving revenue growth and fostering stronger customer relationships. Benefits from cloud computing to include cost reduction, better manageability of IT, improved system redundancy and remote access.

. Introduction:

The new shoots of recovery are often hard to detect but it seems that British businesses have shifted their mindset to something a bit more optimistic! A new report reveals that British business is no longer clamping down on IT expenditures. In fact the majority expect to increase their IT budgets this year. It seems we’re finally focused on the path to growth, as opposed to recessionary pressures, and Britain is leading the way with savvy IT investment.

So how are businesses planning to invest in their IT infrastructure?

Joining us to discuss this further is Simon Porter from IBM.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the report reveal about the mindset of local businesses compared to previous years?

Where do you see businesses are investing in their IT?

Why is it important to invest in IT solutions?

Does this change in business investment suggest that the mid-market is looking beyond the recession?

What can businesses do to improve IT efficiency?

Where can we find out more information?