Ekco survey reveals one in three cloud projects don’t deliver
Ekco's second Infrastructure Modernisation Survey of IT Decision Makers highlights a worrying success gap in cloud migration projects.
Key findings from The Ekco Infrastructure Modernisation Survey include:
• 1 in 3 IT Decision Makers believe that cloud modernisation projects don’t meet their objectives
• A mere 19% of IT Decision Makers believe that their infrastructure is fully optimised
• Just 1 in 4 IT Decision Makers feel that the C-suite has a good handle on cyber security
The Ekco Infrastructure Modernisation Survey 2023 has highlighted a concerning trend in the success rate of cloud modernisation projects, finding that a mere 32% of IT Decision Makers in the UK and Ireland believe their cloud modernisation projects achieved all their objectives. The independent study, which follows on from Ekco’s 2022 report, also found that cyber security challenges remain misunderstood by executives, with just 27% feeling that this area is prioritised in the boardroom.
Steve MacNicholas, MD for Ekco Ireland, said, “Cloud infrastructure investment can be transformative for businesses. However, our research shows that cloud modernisation projects consistently fall short of expectations. Even though we saw a 9% year-on-year increase in companies that had recently moved to or were moving to the cloud, the success rate of these projects remained static. It’s clear the needle is not being shifted when it comes to businesses achieving what they hope cloud will facilitate. This is why a comprehensive cloud migration strategy, rather than ad-hoc infrastructure transfers, is key.”
Skills and budget overruns main challenges
Thirty-three percent of respondents said that the primary reason for modernisation projects not meeting all objectives was that they had underestimated the support needed. Respondents also identified costs (32%) and setting unrealistic expectations (27%) as reasons behind project shortcomings.
“Striking a balance between budget considerations and the need for comprehensive cloud transformation is vital and managed service providers can play a pivotal role here,” noted Adam Bradley, MD for Ekco UK. “They can assist organisations in making informed decisions that align with their financial objectives while enabling them to harness the full benefits of cloud technology. By leveraging third party expertise, businesses can address both support requirements and cost considerations, setting a solid foundation for successful cloud modernisation initiatives.”
Watch the Infrastructure Modernisation Survey Webinar
Security strategy not prioritised by management
Despite being top of mind for many IT professionals, the survey revealed that getting executive support for a robust cyber security strategy remains problematic. Only 27% of respondents felt that their senior leadership had a strong handle on cyber security. This lack of C-suite understanding can lead to insufficient budget allocation and inadequate emphasis on securing data, jeopardising both customer trust and business continuity.
“IT decision makers should focus on more effectively communicating cyber security requirements to senior management. This can be achieved through emphasising tangible business benefits, as well as the potential organisational impact of an attack occurring without sufficient security measures in place. Ultimately, it is the board who holds accountability for safeguarding company assets, including managing cyber security and privacy risks. Negligence in this regard may lead to heavy fines and removal from duty, underscoring the personal as well as organisational importance of prioritising cyber security,” concludes MacNicholas.
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