EXPERT SPEAK
In the IT industry , we can often connect with decision-makers across multiple sectors . This has proven to be a great source of strength in today ’ s climate , which requires us to collaborate and learn from one another more than ever before .
At Cisco , we have long been accustomed to working remotely – backed by the network expertise and solutions to make it possible on a large scale . Yet , when we found ourselves taking a leap from 20,000 remote workers to 140,000 in just 10 days , it still required a great deal of co-ordination and teamwork across our global family .
To understand the scale of the challenges presented to businesses , we conducted our CIO Impact and CIO Perspectives reports , which identified common pain points and priority areas of focus for key stakeholders .
Our findings revealed that in the Middle East , 61 % of CIOs and CTOs regard Coronavirus as top of mind for their IT departments at present . Globally , 78 % of CIOs
CIOs cited security , VPN bandwidth , loss of productivity and tech outages as their main stress drivers at present .
Reem Asaad , Vice President , Cisco Middle East and Africa and CTOs feel the pandemic has had a severe or major impact on their organisations .
CIOs cited security , VPN bandwidth , loss
of productivity and tech outages as their main stress drivers at present . The increase in remote working also accounted for half of all security fears , and half again said that the move to remote work represented a major cultural shift for their organisations .
Collaboration tools and videoconferencing have gone beyond being mere perks to becoming vital tools in supporting teams and ensuring wellbeing during the crisis . At Cisco , we have promoted activities such as virtual coffee chats .
Navigating a new world
Our research has highlighted the critical role of modernised network technologies in supporting CIOs and their organisations through the current crisis . In the Middle East ,
95 % of CIOs say they still have some degree of reliance on legacy technology and 20 % are still completely reliant on it to run their critical applications .
Organisations in the region are already adjusting their plans accordingly , to be better prepared in case of any such unexpected event in the future . For most , that will mean making additional investments to evolve their IT infrastructure .
Evolving role of the CIO and CTO
Now more than ever , CIOs and CTOs will play an increasingly pivotal role in assuring that Digital Transformation continues to be embedded in not only the long-term strategic direction of the company , but also its day-to-day IT operations .
Echoing this sentiment , 88 % of survey respondents shared that they feel the role of the CIO and CTO is expanding to have greater impact in their organisations and across their industries .
As budgets inevitably shrink and customer and employee needs increase , CIOs and CTOs must consider which technology best provides the speed and agility their business needs . Vendor consolidation enables decision-makers to have a greater overview of processes , optimise costs and operate in a more streamline manner .
Investment should not only be considered in terms of monetary spend . Employee training and upskilling also safeguards a business . CIOs and CTOs need the buy-in of their peers to accelerate digitisation agendas – investing in talent can help create a positive cultural shift .
Ultimately , preparation is key . Businesses must no longer wait for a change in circumstance to influence their decisions . As we look forward , our duty now is to ensure we apply the lessons we have learned to create a more secure digital future . We must move forward with hope and optimism , for where the IT industry can take us , and how our region can be the leader in championing a smarter and safer future for all . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 35
53