Flexibility and relationship issues have emerged as the
key factors for CIOs when considering their Wide Area Network
(Wan), according to a survey conducted by
ICM Research.
Virtual network operator Vanco, which commissioned the independent annual
survey, believes it has identified the beginning of a shift in
priorities among European CIOs. In addition to flexibility, CIOs
have cited quality of service, manageability, speed and ease of
service as well as partnership/relationship management as main
concerns for their networks this year.
Network cost reduction remains a high priority for 21% of CIOs,
but it is of less importance than the previous year when nearly
30% regarded it as the top issue. Next in line were network
security solutions with 13% (16% in 2006) and increased bandwidth
with 10% (15% in 2006).
When selecting a company to manage their networks,the most
influential criteria for CIOs globally continues to be based around
lowest overall costs: Nearly three-quarters of respondents selected
this as their main driver, while 28% opted for highest service
capability, ranked second in the list of determining factors. The
financial stability of suppliers is less of an issue, acknowledged
by 6%, compared with the 10% of CIOs for whom it was the number one
issue in 2006.
“Although the most common responses were in line with previous
years – cost, security and bandwidth – I think it is interesting
that we are starting to see more and more CIOs naming softer issues
as their first priority. Previously these factors would have been
mentioned, but much further down the list,” suggested Michael
Piddock, group marketing manger for Vanco.
Related article:
WAN/WAFS platform purchase considerations
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