Purchase, Train or Push Off a Cliff…
Whilst most UK media still continues to focus on the doom and gloom of the economic downturn it is interesting to see a hint of sunlight on the horizon. Recent research by RBC Capital Markets and reported in Computing reveals that only 3% of UK companies are delaying their larger longer term deployments compared to 36% who are continuing to replace outdated software and look at discreet, short term, fast ROI projects. Working for an IT company that has planned its product development to meet this demand is reassuring.
Interestingly only 3% of companies are looking to purchase additional licenses for their users – suggesting they are not yet recruiting or taking full advantage of some of the self service type functionality which would allow them to further free up some of their more expensive skilled work force. They are though still investing in training as a first attempt at maximising the value of the investment they have made. It would be interesting to see this research repeated in 6-12 months especially given the BBC commentary today that suggests the US has now reached the end of its downturn period thanks to recent investments made by their Government.
Tags: downturn, fast roi, maximising investment, self service, software purchase