Peter Russell

Columnist

Peter Russell

Managing Director Ireland, Telefónica Tech UK&I

Digital Growth Continues Into 2022

2020 was certainly one of the most disruptive years in the history of the IT industry, with the almost overnight shift to remote working for millions of people and the huge implications this had on IT systems, departments, and companies. 2021 has continued to be challenging, but the tech sector has continued to play a fundamentally important role in the success and resilience of businesses, public services, and wider society.

Indeed, secure digital services are becoming one of the most critical assets companies are investing in to ensure their successful future. From cyber security services to prevent ransomware attacks, to supporting home-hybrid working, and creating the new modern workplace of the future, IT services are in high demand for nearly all organisations today as they all attempt to unlock the key to digital transformation and build the new hybrid workplace.

It seems that the world’s demand for digital products and services – from data centre systems and software to communication services – will not slow down in 2022. According to data from global research firm Gartner, global IT spending will reach $4.47 trillion next year, representing an increase of 5.5 percent compared to 2021.

Gartner’s John-David Lovelock said people’s “willingness and eagerness” to adopt technology and “use it in different ways” changed in 2020 and 2021, spurred by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. And that will continue into 2022.

Some of highest growth areas that will see the biggest focus of investment will be cloud, modern workplace and cyber security. Indeed, Gartner states that while recent large-scale cyber security attacks on hospitals, governments and energy facilities have been considered crimes, the increasingly devastating fallout means they’ll soon be considered acts of war.*

Cyber security remains a fundamental pillar for us at Telefónica Tech through next year and beyond. We have invested heavily in our Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Belfast which will provide services such as monitoring and analysis of clients’ IT systems to pre-empt and prevent security risks and attacks. The Security Operations Centre is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working across sectors including NHS Trusts, public sector bodies, and many private sector organisations.

Telefónica Tech is well positioned to capitalise on this predicted digital growth, being a disrupter in the local marketplace with strong value propositions in hybrid cloud, modern workplace, networking and cyber security, and a specific industry focus in the health sector. “We have the ability to stay agile and adaptive to uncertain market trends, but also we have the backing of a global powerhouse in the form of one of the world’s leading tech companies which is investing heavily in its non-traditional digital transformation capabilities.

“It is an exciting prospect for us as a team, as well as for our customers and hopefully also a positive impact for the Northern Ireland economy.” *Source: Gartner top predictions 2022

“It seems that the world’s demand for digital products and services – from data centre systems and software to communication services – will not slow down in 2022. According to data from global research firm Gartner, global IT spending will reach $4.47 trillion next year, representing an increase of 5.5 percent compared to 2021.”