IT leaders turn to partners for support and knowledge on AI and intelligent infrastructure
London, October 5th 2023 – Colt Technology Services, the digital infrastructure company, today published research revealing new opportunities for partners, as IT leaders look for support and knowledge on AI and intelligent infrastructure. The research – revealed in the latest version of Colt’s annual Digital Infrastructure report– highlights growth opportunities for partners selling technologies critical to AI adoption and digital infrastructure. Technologies rated ‘absolutely essential’ to AI rollout are named as 5G (cited by 22%), agile connectivity (20%) and edge (20%). The study also outlines opportunities for partners selling consumption-based networks, as global uncertainty drives businesses to build flex into their organisations.
Colt’s survey of 755 IT leaders across countries in Europe and Asia revealed enterprises are seeking to expand their knowledge of AI and intelligent infrastructure through a diversity of different partners. 34% are turning to SaaS providers; one in three (33%) to hardware vendors; and 32% to connectivity partners or systems integrators. 31% look to consultants for advice and 29% to CSPs.
The study reveals continued take-up of On Demand connectivity, with one in five (20%) saying it is absolutely essential to their business and 76% saying it is important to some extent1. Almost 9 in 10 (89%) survey respondents who have aspects of intelligent digital infrastructure are already using – or plan to use – On Demand connectivity2. Opportunities for partners to provide support and guidance to clients and end users on their intelligent infrastructure journeys were also uncovered, as many IT leaders surveyed admitted they’re not maximising their entire digital infrastructure estate. The highest proportion (17%) felt they were only at 70% capacity in terms of the functionality and features they’re already using.
The research also highlights pain points between IT leaders and partners with almost one in five respondents (19%) saying relationships with external partners are their biggest obstacle and more than one in four (28%) naming poor integration as a barrier to the easy management of digital infrastructure. 34% said a lack of partner APIs held them back.
“Our research provides a perfect snapshot of what’s top of mind for vendors right now and it reveals exciting growth opportunities for partners and resellers. At the same time, the IT leaders we spoke to were very open about what they’re missing,” said Ruth Welter, VP – Strategic Alliances, Colt Technology Services. She continued, “The vendor/partner relationship has been redefined over the past few years: partners are now in a unique position as advisors, consultants and even mentors with their deeper understanding of enterprise technology. Working together as part of a collaborative global partner ecosystem leaves them better connected than ever before. It’s the ideal time for partners to fill any integration gaps, to come together and to take advantage of the next digital revolution.”
Download the report here.
1 ‘Important to some extent’ is ‘Of average importance’, ‘Very important’ and ‘Absolutely essential’ combined
2 43% of companies with intelligent infrastructure are using On Demand connectivity currently and a further 46% plan to do so in the future.
Methodology: 755 senior IT decision makers, aged 18 and over, were interviewed by Censuswide, the research consultants, between 13.07.2023 and 24.07.2023. Survey respondents included cloud decision-makers and C-suite leaders, in companies with 5000 employees or more in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, Singapore and Spain.
About Colt Technology Services
Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose.
Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to more than 60 offices around the world. The powerful Colt IQ Network connects 222 cities and 32 countries with more than 1000 data centres, 51 Metropolitan Area Networks and over 31,000 buildings across Europe, Asia and North America’s largest business hubs. Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector.
Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and planet.
For more information, please visit www.colt.net
Press Contact:
Anne Amlot – Head of PR, +447899 950730
What's your goal today?
1. Are you on the Colt IQ network?
Our network connects over 31,000 buildings worldwide powering companies such as Hitachi, Atos, Forbes, Arthur D Little, Brussels Airlines and thousands of others. Find out if you're Colt connected now.
2. Learn about digital infrastructure
We've written thousands of guides and white papers, regularly publish content on our blog and host regular events on everything from enterprise network connectivity, to cloud, digital transformation and the hybrid workforce.
3. Join our team
To learn more about joining our team of over 5000 people around the world, and to browse our current open roles visit https://careers.colt.net/.
