More than 79% of business executives believe that information technology (IT) is important to a company's success, and over half those rated IT as absolutely mission critical, according to a recent survey by market analyst, IDC. At the same time, business executives are spending an average of 26% of their time dealing with IT on a business level.
With non-IT executives spending so much time examining IT investments and developments, leaving technology decisions up to the IT professionals is a thing of the past, according to IDC's study, Crossing Over: Business Executives and IT Decisions.
"On some levels, the survey confirms what IT professionals already know: That technology can provide businesses with a competitive advantage," explained John Gantz, chief research officer for IDC. "What's surprising is the broad acceptance of technology among non-IT professionals."
Almost half the 280 business (non-IT) executives surveyed in January and February 2003 considered themselves a key part of the IT decision process, and a little over 30% of them claim that their level of influence in IT decisions is increasing.
When asked about their three main concerns for IT supporting their business, more than half (70%) cited reliability and up-time, while 56% cited security, and 52% cited performance.
"These concerns are much the same as those of most IT professionals," said Nicole Comiskey, research manager for IDC.
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