IT Decision Makers Admit Existing IT Infrastructures Are Insufficient
UK Companies Preparing To Expand IT Infrastructures Without Adequate Consideration Of Available Solutions
Over the past six months, 4 in 10 large companies have experienced peak demands on their IT infrastructure, that have outstripped capacity, according to research commissioned by Hewlett-Packard.
The research, conducted by MORI, revealed that of these companies, 75% believed that the issue would remain a problem or worsen. Over eight-in-ten companies who have experienced short-term peaks in demand admit they are planning to expand or upgrade their existing IT infrastructure in the near future.
"It is clear that IT decision makers are feeling the effects of peak demands more than ever, and companies are increasingly having to take precautions and invest in order to deliver the best possible service," said Chris Franklin, UNIX Server Category Manager for HP. "What the industry needs is a cost effective, flexible, and secure solution which can deploy computer resources immediately in a simple and effective manner, regardless of the overall peak demand."
The research suggests that flexibility of infrastructure will become increasingly critical to the IT decision maker, with 91% of those interviewed believing that remote access to central IT systems from fixed business locations will be important to the success of their IT infrastructure over the next 5 years. Added to this, 76% of companies have considered the implementation of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as a means of creating cost-effective links between outlying divisions, remote workers, partners and suppliers.
"Security continues to be an important consideration for organisations," says Chris Franklin. "And by embracing a utility computing model, UK companies can also benefit from a scalable internet infrastructure with capacity on demand and instant internet connectivity."
Outsourcing remains an important factor for the IT decision maker, with 80% of companies currently considering outsourcing parts of their IT infrastructure to a service provider. "HP e-utilica arrives with out-of-the-box integrated tools for accurate monitoring of usage," says Chris Franklin. "By observing usage trends, IT departments are well placed to forecast requirements, and decide if, when, and where to use complementary external services."
Notes to Editors
MORI conducted a total of 200 interviews with senior IT decision makers in organisations with 500 or more employees. Quotas were set to ensure that the sample was representative by industry sector. Interviews were carried out between 30 April - 11 May 2001.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to all. HP had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.hp.com
