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It’s no surprise that IT budgets will surge in 2024! Why? Well, because we are standing on the brink of a tech revolution at present. How lucky are we to experience this huge shift? The best part is that the marketing team at TheCodeWork recently held a survey to understand the surge in IT budget in 2024 and here we are!  Today, we will delve into the top reasons behind this assumption (also called fact as per our resources). Furthermore, this blog will shed light on factors driving businesses to invest heavily in technology this year.

See, we know how things are evolving at an unprecedented pace, with advancements in AI, Machine learning, data analytics, Cloud computing, & more. The fact is that these technologies are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Especially for businesses to strive in today’s market. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital readiness, which allows business continuity under any circumstances. Consequently, companies are recognizing the value of investing in technology, as a long-term strategy for resilient and sustainable growth.

Therefore, in 2024 we can anticipate a significant surge in the tech budget of enterprises.. Now, before you jump in to uncover the reasons behind it, let me tell you something. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the digital future – know that TheCodeWork is there to guide you! 

Now, let’s dive in! 

Growing Demand for Advanced Technologies

We’re seeing a huge demand for AI, Machine learning, Automation, and Augmented reality over the last two years. It’s a pretty exciting time, to be honest.

Businesses are using them for all sorts of operations like analyzing data, recognizing patterns, and making strategic decisions. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, right? Well, this is just the beginning. Because nearly one-quarter of surveyed C-suite executives say that they are using advanced Gen-AI tools for work. Around 80% of businesses plan to adopt AI as a customer service solution. Well, the fact is that the demand for these technologies is rising as people realize their game-changing potential! 

Factors influencing IT budgets Of various Businesses

The allocation of the tech budget to tech initiatives of enterprises is a strategic decision that directly impacts an organization. After all, it’s about staying ahead, pushing innovations, and making sure you are ready to take on whatever comes next.

Nevertheless, let’s explore the factors influencing the budgets of business organizations now:

Increasing Adoption of Automation 

Automation technologies are seriously shaking things up in the realm of business. It’s not just about making things faster or easier anymore! Think about it. Automation is helping businesses to work smarter, cut costs, and boost productivity like never before. And eventually, it’s happening across all industries. 

From manufacturing to healthcare, from retail to finance, automation is making its mark everywhere.

But what’s driving this trend?  Well, here are some of it’s key aspects:-

• Business Process Optimization: AI and ML are increasingly valued for optimizing business processes through automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decisions. For example, Dominos improved efficiency, customer service, and sales with real-time data and analytics.

• Data Explosion and Processing Power: Contemporarily, the Internet has led to data explosion! Automation tools with increased datasets are enhancing the processing capabilities. Companies like Zebra Technologies & CoreLogic are using such tools to transform, transfer, and analyze data without manual intervention. 

• The emergence of Conversational AI: Conversational AI, driven by natural language processing and machine learning, has transformed customer interactions. SaaS digital health leaders like Artera, are leveraging Conversational AI to provide instant and tailored responses, on multiple platforms.

In short, the benefits of automation go way beyond just improving efficiency and cutting costs.  So, if you’re looking forward to taking your business to the next level, then it’s time to embrace the power of automation. 

Book a free-consultation call with our experts, today.   

Necessity for robust cybersecurity measures

The world of cybersecurity is like a high-stakes chess game! We’re talking about everything from your phishing scams to complex ransomware. 

Consequently- As businesses increasingly rely on technology, the implications and potential risks of system breaches are appearing on the surface. Did you know? – Gartner forecasts IT spending on security and risk management to increase worldwide! It has already reached a staggering $215 billion in 2024 already. 

Well, Here are the reasons why businesses are investing heavily in securing their digital assets:- 

• Escalating Cyber Threats: Cyber threats are growing at a high volume! Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day vulnerabilities pose significant risks to organizations. The necessity for robust cybersecurity measures stems from the need to proactively defend against constantly evolving cyber threats.

• Protection of Sensitive Data: Organizations accumulate vast amounts of sensitive data, including customer information, proprietary research, and intellectual property. Such data can have severe consequences, making it imperative to implement cybersecurity measures. 

• Global Connectivity and Interconnected Systems: Global business interconnectivity and growing cloud service use are expanding the attack surface. Various organizations like Zurich-Insurance & Ekran are implementing robust cybersecurity measures, to mitigate risks associated with the current attack surface. 

• Legal Obligations: The regulatory landscape for data protection and privacy is continually evolving. Organizations face legal obligations to safeguard customer data and adhere to industry-specific regulations. The implementation of robust cybersecurity measures is not just about practice but a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.

Pro-tip: Consult a cybersecurity solutions provider today! Because Prevention is always better than cure. 

After all, we’re not just talking about protecting bits and bytes but safeguarding the very priceless assets.

Integration of Cloud Computing Services

One of the big game-changers these days is cloud computing. This is because, the financial benefits of cloud computing are propelling its widespread adoption across industries like Fintech to Healthcare.

Here’s why integrating cloud computing services is crucial & a must-have for businesses that want to stay ahead:

• Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency: It negates the need for large initial hardware investments and cuts down on continuous maintenance expenses. 

• Security and Compliance: Contrary to common misconceptions, cloud providers invest heavily in security measures. The integration of cloud computing services allows businesses to benefit from robust security protocols to compliance certifications. 

• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: It provides strong solutions for disaster recovery and business continuity. The inherent data backup, redundancy, and failover features of many cloud platforms enable organizations to bounce back swiftly from disruptions.

• Focus on Core Competencies: Cloud computing allows organizations to offload the management of infrastructure and IT resources to third-party providers. This enables businesses to concentrate on their core competencies and strategic objectives. 

Insights: IDC suggested a continued rise in the adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies. This is because businesses are expecting to leverage multiple cloud providers to meet different requirements and ensure flexibility. Therefore, don’t delay anymore! Get in touch with TheCodeWork!

As the integration of cloud computing becomes popular, it paves the way for businesses to discover and leverage new opportunities. Organizations that strategically adopt it, are not only enhancing their current operations but also future-proofing themselves. Don’t you want it for your business too? 

Shift towards Remote and Hybrid Work Models

The way we work is changing a lot! Especially since 2020 – the pandemic and post-pandemic era.  With more people working remotely or in a mix of office and home (known as hybrid work), the traditional idea of working 9-to-5 is changing.

The implications that are amplifying this change are:

• Changing Workforce Expectations: Today’s workforce highly values flexibility and work-life harmony. Companies like Netflix, & Sagility are adopting remote and hybrid work models that are better equipped to attract and keep the best talent.

• Globalization and Distributed Teams: It has led to the rise of distributed teams. Organizations, in their quest for global talent and market expansion, are now free of physical office locations. Remote and hybrid work models seamlessly accommodate teams spread across different time zones and continents.

• Employee Engagement and Retention: Businesses are providing remote and hybrid options to demonstrate a commitment to well-being and preferences. After all, it’s contributing to higher job satisfaction.

Therefore, at TheCodeWork, we pride ourselves on being a distributed team, using technology to collaborate and innovate globally. Our diverse, globally distributed team brings unique perspectives and insights, enriching our knowledge and driving success.

However, we also understand and appreciate the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering a collaborative work environment. While we are a distributed team, we prefer our members to be on-site whenever possible. We have designed our offices to be vibrant, inspiring spaces that stimulate creativity and collaboration. 

We aim to strike a balance between the flexibility of remote work and the collaborative spirit of an on-site team.

Increased focus on Research & Development (R&D) activities

Innovation flourishes in settings that nurture productivity. For example, PwC found that 60% of CEOs believe that an innovative workplace culture is crucial for success. This is because Research & Development (R&D) initiatives not only produce proven results but also foster an innovative culture within organizations. 

Take a look at  what’s driving businesses to distribute their resources to R&D activities:

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Businesses invest in R&D to understand and anticipate changing market expectations. It allows them to develop and iterate their products and services that not only meet current demands but also exceed future expectations.

• Agile Development Methodologies: It emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative processes. R&D aligns seamlessly with these methodologies. Providing organizations with the framework to experiment, iterate, and adapt quickly in response to market feedback. 

• Technological Evolution: The rapid evolution of technology itself is a primary driver. Organizations recognize the need to stay ahead of technological advancements and invest in R&D to leverage emerging technologies. After all, it’s about growth, efficiency, and relevance in the market.

• Global Research Collaborations: Collaboration on a global scale has become more accessible. Organizations engage in international R&D collaborations, tapping into a diverse pool of expertise, perspectives, and resources. These collaborations accelerate the pace of innovation and provide a global perspective on technological trends.

Insights: Crunchbase says, Global startup funding for the first month of the year has already reached close to $22 billion! That’s why it’s the perfect time to get started with your startup venture with TheCodeWork’s Zero-Equity startup system. From Tech to Legal, we got it all for you! 

As the speed of technological advancement continues – organizations that spend their technology budget on R&D as a fundamental component are positioned to lead, motivate, & push limits.

Budget allocation for legal and regulatory requirements

With all the buzz around data protection and privacy rules, allocating a budget for compliance becomes essential. By allocating IT funds to regulatory advisory, enterprises not only fulfill legal obligations but also demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct. 

Now, it’s time to explore the reasons to invest in legal and regulatory requirements: 

• Global Business Operations: Organizations with global operations face the challenge of navigating diverse legal frameworks. Budget allocation is necessary to ensure that legal and regulatory compliance strategies are harmonized across different jurisdictions. 

• Industry-Specific Regulations: Many industries have specific regulations tailored to their nature of operations. For example, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors often have stringent compliance requirements. Allocating resources to tailor compliance efforts & specific regulations governing their industries is crucial.

• Litigation Preparedness: Legal disputes and litigation can arise unexpectedly! Allocating the funds for legal compliance includes provisions for litigation preparedness, such as retaining legal counsel, & implementing dispute resolution mechanisms. 

Putting money aside for all the legal and regulatory stuff isn’t just about paying the bills! It’s a key part of running a successful organization. The transformative impact goes beyond mitigating risks; It extends to building trust and fostering ethical business practices. 

Allocating resources to ensure supply chain stability

Keeping the supply chain steady is super important! It’s not just about throwing money at the problem, rather, it’s about a well-rounded approach to dodging risks. By strategically allocating resources, businesses are building robust tech-integrated supply chain structures. Such structures can withstand any disruption! 

The reasons behind allocating resources for supply chain stability:

• Globalization and Complex Supply Chains: The globalization of supply chains has increased complexity. Organizations must allocate resources to manage the intricacies of global sourcing, transportation, and distribution, ensuring stability.

• Technological Advancements: Embracing technology is essential for supply chain stability. Resource allocation for blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics enhances visibility and traceability. 

• Market Volatility and Uncertainty: Organizations are allocating their resources to develop agile supply chain strategies, including scenario planning, & demand forecasting. Amazon, UPS & others are heavily relying on agile supply chains to navigate the complexities of the modern business requirements. 

Summing up! Companies that put their money on supply chain stability aren’t just spending wisely, they’re gaining an edge over the competition. It’s all about building resilience and staying precise in the business world. That’s how you stay ahead of the game!

Breakdown of IT spending in 2024 & Beyond

According to Gartner’s forecast, worldwide IT spending is projected to total $5.1 trillion in 2024. There has been an 8% increase since last year! The growth is driven by investments in cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and automation, which are seen as critical for enhancing operational efficiency and bridging IT talent gaps.

Here’s a breakdown of the projected IT spending for 2024:

• Data Center Systems: $261.332 billion (7.5% growth)
• Devices: $732.287 billion (4.6% growth)
• Software: $1.029 trillion (12.7% growth)
• IT Services: $1.501 trillion (8.7% growth)
• Communications Services: $1.473 trillion (2.3% growth)

The software and IT services segments are expected to see double-digit growth in 2024. Global spending on public cloud services is forecast to increase 20.4% this year.

Insights: In India, the interim budget allocated a total of ₹1,15,752 crore for 2024-25 for IT and telecommunications. It is 20.85% up from funds projected to be spent (revised estimates) of ₹95,781 crore for 2023-24. You can check out our recent report on India’s interim budget to know more! 

With the projected increase in IT spending, there’s never been a better time to invest in these technologies! TheCodeWork is ready to help your business stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re looking to enhance operational efficiency or bridge IT gaps, we’re here to help.  Contact us today!

Bottom Line

Wrapping Up! 

The surge in IT budgets projected for 2024 reflects the transformative nature of the digital landscape and the strategic imperatives. Advanced technologies, such as AI, Machine Learning, and Automation, are becoming essential components for businesses to thrive. This is not only about operational efficiency but also about making strategic decisions, staying competitive, and adaption. 

Therefore, when it comes to businesses scaling up their IT budget, the impact is tremendous. It’s not just about spending wisely; It’s about building resilience, staying precise, and gaining a competitive edge. 

To know more, Contact TheCodeWork and also you can now subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter! And stay ahead with all the latest updates. As TheCodeWork aptly puts it, it’s all about staying ahead.