Cybersecurity & tech integration top priority for 2025

The OneAdvanced IT Services Trends Report 2025 reveals cybersecurity, data management, and technology integration as prime concerns for IT leaders moving into the future.

The survey shows that 52% of IT leaders have identified the enhancement of cybersecurity measures as their highest priority for the year 2025. Following closely behind, 50% are focused on improving data management and analytics, while 45% are looking to integrate innovative technologies such as AI and IoT. However, 44% of those surveyed highlight that budgetary constraints pose a significant challenge to technological advancement.

Additionally, the report notes that only 20% of IT leaders believe their organisations view IT as a strategic business imperative, despite the sector's apparent potential for driving productivity and business growth. This perspective impacts the ability of 27% of IT leaders to convince senior stakeholders of the benefits of technological innovation.

The issue of integrating new technologies with existing systems is another challenge, with one-third (34%) of IT leaders citing it as a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, 45% are prioritising these integrations to enhance efficiency, and 43% are targeting modernisation of infrastructure and resolution of issues with legacy systems in the upcoming year.

Alex Jeffery, Senior Vice President of Managed IT Services at OneAdvanced, stated, "IT leaders are at the forefront of addressing today's most pressing business challenges, from cybersecurity threats to tech integration. IT is the enabler that underpins all of an organisation's business processes, including people management, finance, spend, and governance, and the activities specific to its sector. Its role is vital in driving organisational productivity, yet the report highlights ongoing challenges in achieving buy-in from senior leadership. With cybersecurity threats intensifying and integration issues hindering innovation, businesses must prioritise IT as a transformative function rather than simply a cost centre."

He further noted the importance of modern IT solutions, adding, "Adopting modern IT solutions, such as scalable cloud technologies and AI-powered tools, is critical for improving productivity, ensuring data security, and driving growth."

The findings of the report also emphasise the increasing dependence on external IT service providers, with 76% of organisations outsourcing some or all of their IT services. The benefits cited include flexibility, scalability, and cost savings, though concerns about the cost of change remain a factor for 41% of respondents.

Jeffery also spoke about the advantages of partnering with managed IT services providers, saying, "Partnering with a managed IT services provider alleviates challenges around skills shortages and difficulties modernising legacy technology, enabling you to leverage new opportunities for growth and efficiency. A best-in-class provider will work hand-in-hand with your team to ensure a smooth transition and seamless user experience - the strategy is to be smart about who you work with!"

The survey conducted by Research Without Barriers gathered insights from 866 finance professionals and 152 spend and procurement leaders across the UK. The research process adhered to the UK Market Research Society's code of conduct and complies with data protection regulations.