AI and cybersecurity are the top investment priorities, Kaseya’s Future of IT Survey reveals
A new report by Kaseya, a leading provider of IT management software, reveals a significant shift in priorities for IT service providers. The company's "Future of IT Survey Report 2024" highlights a surge in investment towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity solutions.
The survey, conducted among IT service providers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, found that nearly half (40%) of respondents expect AI to be the primary driver of their IT budgets in 2024. This marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, indicating a growing confidence in AI's ability to improve efficiency and productivity.
"The rise of AI adoption in IT service delivery is a clear trend," says Fred Voccola, CEO of Kaseya. "Our findings suggest IT professionals are recognizing the potential of AI to automate tasks, streamline workflows, and ultimately, free themselves to focus on more strategic initiatives."
The survey also underscores cybersecurity as a major concern for IT service providers. With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, 43% of respondents identified it as the biggest challenge faced by IT departments. This translates to a significant portion of IT budgets being allocated towards cybersecurity solutions in the upcoming year including investments in security awareness training, cited by 45%, email security, cited by 43%, penetration testing, cited by 36%, and vulnerability scanning, at 35%.
"The ever-changing threat landscape demands constant vigilance," says Voccola. "The focus on cybersecurity reflects a growing awareness of the critical need for robust defenses against cyberattacks."
Automation was also a central theme in the report with 42% of respondents advocating prioritizing the efficiency of IT processes. Almost half of the respondents indicated a strong preference for all-in-one solutions that can manage multiple tasks and processes without requiring multiple tools, and one-fifth said they prioritize access to comprehensive IT documentation.
Key takeaways from the Kaseya report include:
AI on the Rise: 40% of respondents expect AI to be the primary IT budget driver in 2024.
Cybersecurity Remains a Top Priority: 43% of respondents identify cybersecurity as the biggest IT challenge, prompting increased investment in security solutions.
Shift Towards Integrated Solutions: The emphasis on automation and complete solutions suggests a move towards more holistic IT management approaches.
