Data center capacity constraints, increased cloud spend, and security concerns lead the list of organizational challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recently released study conducted by ePlus inc. (NASDAQ NGS: PLUS).
The study, titled Navigating Disruption, is a special report compiled by ePlus to quantify the technology impact of COVID-19 while providing guidance on how IT organizations can be agile and prepared for the future. The report is based on a survey of 135 technology professionals from customer organizations across multiple industries, and was designed to provide insight into the most significant technology challenges companies are facing as a result of the changes brought on by the pandemic.
According to the report, organizations struggle with data center capacity for several reasons. The study found that nearly one-third (30%) of capacity issues were caused by the expanded requirements for new services, such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Another sixteen percent (16%) of struggles were tied to supply chain problems and the inability to acquire new infrastructure, found the study.
The survey also revealed the strain on data center capacity and the need for new services had a direct impact on cloud spending. Within the first 90 days of the pandemic, a quarter (25%) of the organizations surveyed said they experienced an increase in cloud spending. Almost one in ten (9.9%) said they saw their cloud spend jump by more than 20%.
Security is also a concern for many. Only thirty-nine percent (39%) of organizations polled are “very confident” in their security controls, according to the report, with 57% saying they are only “somewhat confident.”
“While organizations expeditiously adjust to the pandemic, an unexpected disruption of this magnitude presents new challenges to implement technology solutions that are effective, affordable and sustainable,” said Darren Raiguel, COO and president of ePlus Technology. He added, “The survey results clearly show that many organizations are still feeling a strain on resources, operations, and budgets. They’ll need to remain nimble and identify cost-effective solutions to meet future challenges in key areas such as cloud, security and collaboration. ePlus is ready and able to assist.”
ePlus notes the report not only shows the most significant technology challenges organizations are facing because of the disruption caused by the pandemic, but also outlines the importance of flexible infrastructure and adaptive security.
“The pandemic highlighted the importance of an agile infrastructure to minimize disruption to the operations of most organizations,” concludes Raiguel. “Companies need flexible technology, the ability to pivot quickly to sudden market transitions and adaptive security controls capable of sensing and responding to threats continuously and proactively. We may not know what or when the next big disruption will be, but companies can take steps now to implement technology solutions to be better prepared.”
To access the survey results and receive a copy of the report, visit: www.eplus.com/next.