Virtualization and cloud computing are the top priorities for CIOs, according to a study by Gartner. The study is more proof that despite modest IT spending, virtualization and cloud computing continue to attract keen interest from executive management.
Gartner expects IT budgets to be essentially flat in 2010. Despite this, a shift is occurring that will shape IT structure for many years to come. According to the survey of 1,600 CIOs, the big shift is the result of the recession.
Perhaps the most significant change is in the demand for social technologies, which is leading to the adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing.
According to the survey, virtualization is the top priority, followed by cloud computing, which last year came in 16th. Interestingly, Web 2.0, which often goes hand in hand with cloud computing, came in as the number three priority. Mobile computing jumped to the number six spot. It came in 12th last year.
The list reflects a change in the workforce. Cloud computing is in some sense changing how we work, requiring a more non-location based focus. For instance, more people work outside of an office. Smartphone usage is starting to soar. Many of the enterprise collaboration services now available are cloud-based. Users will need access to those applications to do their work.
Virtualization is important as it helps IT groups get more out of their assets. Data centers can be optimized while also reducing labor costs.
Gartner sees IT departments as having an opportunity to develop flexible, adaptive enterprises. Cloud computing and virtualization help make that vision a reality.
