IT spending set to rise as firms pull out of slump

Three-quarters of business and IT professionals believe the IT function has grown in importance since the recession, with most confident that spending will increase as IT helps lead the way out of the economic crisis, according to a new Accenture survey.

The new Global Survey on IT Investments produced in association with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) found that 61 percent of non-IT executives anticipate tech spending boosts in the next 12 months.

However, the report also highlighted the fact that IT needs to present a solid case if future investment is to be forthcoming. Eighty percent of executives globally said they are under increased pressure to deliver more flexible projects than before.

In order to reduce the cost of implementing IT projects, the report recommended firms ensure the "stability and business relevance" of project requirements; replace or rationalise existing systems; and move to open platforms.

“The results of the survey show that firms recognise the need to invest in technology to defend and accelerate their competitive position, even in difficult times, which has not always been the case in the past," said Keith Haviland, Accenture's global managing director for Systems Integration Consulting.

"The turmoil over the last 18 months has underscored the need for further flexibility and scalability to stay ahead in business and drive agile business change."

Key areas where investment will be prioritised over the coming year include server virtualisation and consolidation, e-business, and SOA projects, the report concluded.