In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the technology priorities of industry peers offers valuable benchmarks for organizations assessing their own needs. IoT Analytics surveyed senior IT decision-makers about their companies’ top technology priorities, giving insight into how many organizations prioritize technology investments.
Top 5 technology priorities for 2024
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity remains the foremost priority for enterprises, maintaining its top position from 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year cybersecurity has held the #1 spot, reflecting its critical importance in protecting organizational assets against ever-evolving threats. Across all regions, from mid-sized firms to multinational corporations, cybersecurity is universally acknowledged as the top enterprise technology priority.
- Process Automation: Process automation continues to be a significant focus, retaining its #2 ranking from 2023. Introduced to the survey in 2022, process automation involves the use of technology to streamline and automate repetitive business tasks. It is particularly valued in North America and the Asia-Pacific region, where it is ranked second, and is the top priority for small-to-medium enterprises.
- IT Software (ERP and CRM): Climbing one spot from last year, IT software is now the third priority. The pandemic had paused many large-scale software rollouts, but with the resumption of these projects, ERP and CRM systems have regained their prominence in enterprise technology strategies.
- Cloud Computing: Rising one place from 2023, cloud computing is now the fourth priority. Its importance surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as organizations expanded their cloud investments. However, projections indicate a significant shift for 2025, with AI expected to take this spot as companies adjust their technology focus post-pandemic.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT maintains its fifth-place ranking, continuing its rise in importance over the past five years. The increasing popularity of IoT solutions, particularly those available on hyperscaler and edge marketplaces, underscores its growing role in enterprise technology strategies.
Looking ahead to 2025, the survey respondents predict significant shifts. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to leap four spots to become the fourth highest priority, reflecting the increasing interest and investment in AI technologies following the release of transformative tools like ChatGPT. Conversely, cloud computing is projected to drop to the eighth spot, indicating a potential plateau after significant investment surges during the pandemic.
These insights from IoT Analytics’ survey highlight the dynamic nature of enterprise technology priorities, with cybersecurity steadfast at the top and emerging technologies like AI poised for rapid ascent. As organizations navigate these shifts, they must balance immediate needs with strategic long-term investments to stay competitive in the digital era.
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