Digitization and IT security go hand in hand with a high willingness to invest. This is shown by a study conducted by the market and opinion research institute YouGov among more than 500 decision-makers on behalf of 1&1 Versatel. The study analyzes the digitization needs of companies in Germany.
48 percent of the companies surveyed have already explicitly invested in the protection of infrastructure and data, and another 22 percent are planning to do so. In addition, companies are increasingly using modern networking solutions, benefiting from the advantages of digital communication platforms and investing in expanding their Internet bandwidth. However: When it comes to the use of innovative technologies such as blockchain or virtual and augmented reality, the majority is still waiting.
The survey shows in detail how the companies surveyed are actually implementing the digital transformation. Accordingly, digital technologies and processes are gaining in importance, especially in the areas of mobile working (49 percent) and communication and information exchange (48 percent).
IT security as a major challenge
When it comes to digitization, the topic of IT security is usually not far away. 84 percent of those surveyed agree “completely” or “somewhat” with the statement that cyber attacks are an increasing threat to companies. When asked about specific IT security risks for one's own organization, targeted attacks from outside were at the top of the list at 46 percent. In addition, technical failures (46 percent), human or organizational failure (39 percent), the download of infected software from unknown sources (37 percent) and phishing (36 percent) represent further dangers. Vandalism and social engineering (13 percent each) as well as attacks from within the company, only 11 percent of those surveyed consider relevant.
The willingness to pay for IT security is correspondingly high: almost every second company (48 percent) has already explicitly strengthened the protection of infrastructure and data. Another 22 percent plan to invest in such measures.
IT security: network locations securely
Anyone who runs an organization spread over several locations should be able to network their IT solutions flexibly and smartly. The vast majority of the companies surveyed (80 percent) agree “completely” or “rather” with this statement and consider the relevant technologies for networking to be important. It is primarily Internet-based networking solutions that are becoming increasingly important compared to classic Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks - this was confirmed by 66 percent of those surveyed "completely" or "rather".
A total of 43 percent of companies have already invested in new networking solutions such as VPN, cloud services or software-defined networks, and this is on the agenda for another good fifth (21 percent).
communication improved
Not only locations have to be networked with each other - employees also have to connect with each other via online platforms and video conferences. The sharp rise in the number of home offices accelerates digital processes, especially in the field of communication: More than every third company surveyed (39 percent) has already invested in telephony solutions, and almost a further quarter (24 percent) are planning corresponding investments. And modern solutions for telepresence, collaboration and conferencing are also gaining in importance: 38 percent of companies have already invested in this area, and a further 21 percent are still in the planning phase.
Solutions for Unified Communications – i.e. platforms on which all relevant communication services such as telephony, video conferencing, e-mail, voice mail and instant messaging can be used at any time and anywhere – have also found their way into German offices. 66 percent of those surveyed believe that companies could achieve significant efficiency gains. Nevertheless: One fifth of the organizations have not yet formed an opinion about the use, although location-independent communication is already standard for many companies.
expansion of bandwidth
The diverse new communication systems often require the expansion of existing Internet capacities. Therefore, 24 percent of the companies surveyed are planning to increase their Internet capacity and, for example, switch to fast gigabit Internet via fiber optics, while 39 percent have already made corresponding investments.
dr Sören Trebst, CEO of 1&1 Versatel, underlines the important role of network operators in the digital transformation of companies: "As a telecommunications provider, we have a special responsibility for the German economy - and for digitization in Germany together with the other players advance in the telecommunications market. We support medium-sized companies in particular with solutions from a single source. This is how the gigabit society becomes a reality.”
Skepticism about innovative technologies
However, when it comes to the use of innovative technologies such as blockchain, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) or artificial intelligence, skepticism continues to prevail: Only 21 percent of the companies surveyed have recognized the potential of new technologies and invested in them. 55 percent have not currently planned to deal with the possibilities of these technologies or do not yet know enough about them. Things are looking better for cloud-based solutions: 37 percent of companies have already invested here, and another 23 percent are planning to do so.
The study was carried out as an online survey by YouGov Germany on behalf of 1&1 Versatel. 505 company decision-makers took part between January 11 and 17, 2022. The complete results can be found here.
More at 1und1.net
About 1 & 1 Versatel As a telecommunications specialist for corporate customers, 1 & 1 Versatel is one of the leading providers of data, Internet and voice services in Germany. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the listed United Internet AG (ISIN DE100). 0005089031 & 1 Versatel operates one of the largest and most powerful fiber optic networks in Germany - it is available in over 1 cities. Due to its high-performance infrastructure and its extensive product portfolio as well as its consistent focus on corporate customers, 250 & 1 Versatel is also able to respond to complex customer requirements. As a driver of the gigabit society, 1 & 1 Versatel is pushing the continuous expansion of the fiber optic network for Germany.