Press release

IDC Future of Connectedness Survey Finds Connectivity and Network Transformation Are Among Top Priorities to Improve Business and Operational Efficiency

0
Sponsored by Businesswire

Enterprises have been forced to adapt to a new state of “normal,” shifting from traditional office-based operations to distributed environments that must still provide the same level of connectivity, security, and efficiency across the organization. A recent International Data Corporation (IDC) survey found that addressing connectivity across geographies and transforming networks to become more virtual and agile were among the top networking issues that enterprises must address to ensure a more efficient business and operational environment.

Connectivity is a strategic element in every organization’s effort to maintain, sustain, and grow its operations. It allows for scalable access anytime anywhere, creates pervasive digital experiences, enables real-time insights, and provides the foundation for business continuity and resiliency. Achieving seamless connectivity with employees, customers, partners, and others will require additional investment, more strategic planning, and greater oversight.

When asked about their investment plans for network connectivity, more than 50% of respondents to the IDC survey indicated that they expect to increase spending on 5G connectivity, devices, and applications in the next 12 months. And a similar percentage expect to increase their spending on WiFi-6 hardware, software, and services to bring increased speed, lower latency, and more efficient IoT functionality to large buildings, offices and campus environments.

“IDC believes that the Future Enterprise is best served by adopting a Wireless First strategy for last mile access and connectivity, embracing gigabit performance rates from 5G and WiFi 6 that will enable organizations to stay connected and manage data just as effectively as over copper and fiber,” said Paul Hughes, research director, Future of Connectedness at IDC. “These technologies also create and expand new opportunities for industries that depend on connected applications, IoT devices in the field, and management tools to ensure business continuity, resiliency, and safety.”

On September 21st, IDC will host a Future of Connectedness webinar that examines the current state of enterprise connectivity, including business drivers and investment priorities for wireless, cloud, collaboration, and edge technologies. Details and registration for this complimentary webinar, featuring Paul Hughes and IDC Group Vice President Carrie MacGillivray, are available at https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1488782&tp_key=3d44bd5725.

The IDC report, Network Transformation Strategies and Connectivity Road Maps Represent Top Challenges to Achieving Business Agility (IDC #US48133421), provides insight into enterprise wireless infrastructure investment expectations that support business agility–related priorities for connectivity. This document contains data from IDC’s Future of Connectedness Survey, conducted in July of 2021.

The report, Enterprises Are Increasing Wireless Technology Investments to Enable a More Agile State of Connectedness (IDC #US48133521), provides insight into enterprise wireless infrastructure investment expectations that support business agility–related priorities for connectivity. This document contains data from IDC’s Future of Connectedness Survey, conducted in July of 2021.

About IDC’s Future of Connectedness Research Practice

IDC’s Future of Connectedness helps organizations recognize the imperative need to address unevenness in connectivity across different environments and locations and provide employees and consumers with digital experiences supported by ubiquitous, reliable and robust connectivity. To learn more about IDC’s Future of Connectedness research practice, please visit https://www.idc.com/promo/future-of-x/connectedness.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC’s analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.