Enterprises Remain Resilient, 85% Increasing Cloud Investment Despite Economic Pressures

A recent report released by Unisys sheds light on the role of IT, cloud, and AI in business transformation, revealing that companies are determined to prioritize digital investments despite economic downturns. The study highlights the importance of digital capabilities in driving growth and managing costs simultaneously, while also uncovering challenges that hinder companies from fully realizing their digital potential.

Key findings from the research include:

• Cloud Investment: Despite economic pressures, 85% of enterprises are investing in cloud technologies. However, only 19% have effectively utilized cloud to improve their businesses, indicating room for growth and optimization in this area.
• AI Adoption: While 15% of companies have integrated AI into their business strategies, the remaining 85% have yet to embrace this transformative technology. This presents a significant opportunity for disruption and innovation.
• Ethical Considerations: Over 55% of companies acknowledge a lack of understanding regarding the ethical impact of AI. With ethical concerns surrounding AI on the rise, organizations must strive to enhance their comprehension and adopt responsible AI practices.
• Talent Challenges: IT leaders express concerns about keeping their workforce up to date with new skills and technologies for cloud adoption. Ongoing training initiatives and upskilling programs are essential to bridge the talent gap. Additionally, companies identify a need for non-technical skills such as communication and business strategy knowledge.
• Cybersecurity: While breaches are a pervasive threat, only 58% of companies proactively address security weaknesses and threats. Adopting a Zero Trust security model is crucial to building resilience and minimizing cyber risks.

Manju Naglapur, Senior Vice President of Cloud, Applications & Infrastructure Solutions at Unisys, emphasizes the importance of embracing a cutting-edge, cloud-native, and digital-first mindset to drive agility and unlock growth. Naglapur encourages organizations to optimize their existing cloud infrastructure and address talent gaps through ongoing training and skill development programs.

Cloud investment remains a key driver for business growth, with 85% of companies planning to increase cloud spend over the next two years. By aligning the C-suite and IT, advancing cloud technology, addressing ethical concerns, and adopting a proactive approach to security, businesses can realize the full potential of their digital investments.

As companies navigate the evolving digital landscape, strategic shifts and a focus on shared goals will enable organizations to achieve accelerated business value and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.