Public sector IT leaders at odds with business over network performance

There is conflict within the public sector when it comes to IT performance, according to research released today by network vendor Riverbed.

Findings from the Rethink Possible: Visibility and Network Performance – The Pillars of Business Success study show that 89 percent of IT decision makers (ITDMs) and 82 percent of business decision makers (BDMs) in the public sector agree productivity is reliant on effective network and application performance. In addition, three-quarters (72 percent ITDMs and 79 percent BDMs) say that visibility into IT performance is the key to driving business innovation and staff retention. 

However, the report notes that “a clear conflict exists in the public sector” between the visibility experienced by the IT teams and business decision makers.

More than three-quarters of ITDMs (77 percent) think that having more visibility into their organisation’s systems will help to mitigate risk and ensure productivity. But more than half (54 percent) state that they do not have enough visibility into the performance of their networks, applications, or infrastructure. This is compared to 76 percent of BDMs who believe IT has a comprehensive overview of applications.

“This disconnect may be why 75 percent of public sector leaders surveyed felt frustrated by their current network performance (74 percent of BDMs and 76 percent of ITDMs). Ensuring ITDMs and BDMs see eye-to-eye is paramount to helping them recognise the need for new technology that will improve visibility and performance, overcoming this frustration,” notes the firm.

Elsewhere, nine out of 10 IT decision makers in the public sector believe future success hinges on their organisations’ ability to innovate and break boundaries. More than 85 percent of both ITDMs (89 percent) and BDMs (86 percent) in the public sector believe there should be more investment in technology solutions that enhance overall IT visibility.

More than three quarters (78 percent) of public sector leaders agreeing that investment in next-generation technology is vital.

“Strong IT infrastructure is essential for any business but in the public sector – where ineffective systems cause major disruptions for national government departments, non-departmental public bodies such as the NHS, and service delivery – it is crucial,” said Colette Kitterhing, senior director UK&I at Riverbed Technology.

“Especially during these unprecedented times, it is really positive to see that both IT and business decision makers in the public sector recognise the need to invest in the right technology to optimise their IT infrastructure – for both employees in the office and those working remotely –  and successfully achieve business growth, now and in the future.”