Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 52 | Page 55

EXPERT SPEAK
McBain , Principal Analyst at Forrester Research . Furthermore , Jay claims that we have probably seen more changes in partner programmes in the last 18 months than we have in the previous 37 years , as the channel is forced to adapt to the new environment and understand how the customer journey has changed in this online-first world .
Strategically planning your IT requirements
Furthermore , IT is no longer viewed as a cost centre where companies wanted to either maintain their existing capabilities with lower budgets or improve their capabilities while keeping the budget flat . Organisations now realise that they must invest . This tactical approach to constant cost-cutting has put relentless pressure on the IT team , but now businesses must rethink their approach and look more strategically at technology and the investments required . New capabilities will lead to product innovation and enable broader customer outreach , and these capabilities will require investment and increased spending , not belt-tightening . The challenge for partners will be identifying the best way to help their customers secure a budget for these new investments and provide that all-important counsel and support to guide them on their journey . Today everything anchors around
As we move into 2022 and the workplace continues to shift , requiring collaboration among remote workers and office workers and the wider business ecosystem , Digital Transformation initiatives will continue to accelerate across every organisation . the customer , and channel partners will need to adapt their own strategies and workforce to ensure they can support customers over the coming year .
Automation will be king in 2022
However , while the IT industry is doing well , there are challenges around skills . Demand for skilled employees in new technologies is growing rapidly , and companies are experiencing issues in hiring appropriately skilled staff . For this reason , technology that can automate various processes and enable development teams to focus on high-value tasks will be essential .
Additionally , the chip shortage is affecting many aspects of technology hardware , from new cars to TVs to IT . The time needed to bring production back up to the levels required may take us to the second half of 2022 or even early 2023 . One way to lessen the impact that the hardware shortage has on income is to accelerate the move to services and software . Longer-term , we see technology opportunities extending beyond hardware and hardware installations and software licensing to a wide array of possibilities as businesses integrate technology into their long-term strategic goals .
Changes such as we have seen over the last 18 months have forced innovation , and the need for us to continue to automate , innovate , and think creatively and strategically about the way we use technology and how the channel does business will continue in 2022 and beyond . •
Customer expectations have shifted , and spending habits are moving away from inperson activities to online .
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 55