As many as 72 per cent of organisations have put IT projects on hold, while two thirds have delayed hires due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis.

A survey of 100 senior-level IT decision makers across industries - including financial services, professional services and healthcare - conducted by technology business services firm Apptio and the Technology Business Management Council, found that as the pandemic has prompted significant disruption for technology leaders.

A total of 63 per cent of respondents said that they were being asked to implement a range of new services to deal with the increased digital demands of the crisis, while nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of chief information officers (CIOs) said that cost optimisation has become a higher priority.

Half of financial services leaders and 64 per cent of government organisations are experiencing a demand for new capabilities. In healthcare, the demand is even higher at 93 per cent.

Meanwhile, 72 per cent of CIOs said the disruption caused by COVID-19 has changed their business priorities.

Across sectors, organisations have shifted from prioritising operational excellence and revenue growth to reducing IT spend. Two-thirds of healthcare firms said that optimising costs is now the number one priority.

Jarod Greene, general manager of the Technology Business Management Council, said:“Leaders are facing some of the most difficult decisions of their careers.
He added: "They have to balance the need to manage costs and accelerate innovation, particularly in an environment where cash is king and plans can change on a daily basis.”

Share Story: