IT infrastructure to be CIOs' focus in 2004

International research and advisory firm Gartner has put information technology (IT) infrastructure as the top priority for Indian chief information officers (CIOs) in 2004.

Infrastructure will be closely followed by customer relationship management and IT performance on Indian CIO's agenda, according to Gartner.

"CIOs believe that IT infrastructure is key to delivering enterprise agility, while they expect savings in cost in this area through consolidation and outsourcing," said Jose Ruggero, vice-president executive programmes Gartner Australasia. Gartner's observations were based on a survey they did with 12 CIOs in India.

Ruggero pointed out that IT infrastructure was not up to the mark in some sectors and pharmaceuticals, financial and manufacturing would see a rise in its implementation. Gartner expects a 6 per cent increase in installation in 2004 in the domestic market.

The Gartner study suggested that Indian CIOs will put developing leadership in information systems' senior team and making information systems more service-oriented pretty high on their priority list during 2004.

"CIOs reveal that senior executives are now also recognising the need and opportunities for growth. Increases in total IT and business operating budgets are starting to be noticed as enterprises begin to invest for growth," Ruggero said.

"Executives remain cautious, despite the positive economic indicators, so increases in investments may take time to become a reality for all," he added.

The survey also revealed that information systems budget growth is likely to be staggered over time. Over 40 per cent of CIOs surveyed, suggested IT growth would return to the sector in the latter stages of 2004.

Enterprises expect their IT budget to grow in line with the recovery. Breaking away enterprises are already an increased investment of 6.9 per cent, but for many enterprises IT budget growth and investment would be delayed into 2004.