IDC: 70% of NZ CIOs set sights on virtualization

By Enterprise Innovation Editors | Oct 19, 2009

More than 70% of CIOs based in New Zealand are pushing for server virtualization in the hopes of refreshing their data centers, portals and content services enrichment with Web 2.0 technologies.

Overall, the results of the IDC Dynamic IT Benchmark 2009 reveal that CIOs who have interest in Cloud Computing are mostly focused on gaining the upper edge in terms of faster development time in building and launching new business applications. Though other concerns on security and data integration remains, competitive business environments and the speed to market are pushing enterprises to innovate with Cloud Computing.

A good example of ICT innovation centered around Cloud Computing is Gen-i, which has developed a successful model in evolving manual provisioning of IT resources into a highly automated provisioning model, cutting down manual workflow steps and operating costs, while innovating into a new business model.

"Gen-i's effort in innovating IT in a grid-based supercomputing centre environment, leveraging cloud services model and virtual infrastructure enables real-time customer service delivery. By doing this, Gen-i has created a whole new commercial model based on the ability to create entirely self-contained environments for customers rapidly and easily," said Dr. Patrick Chan, Chief Technology Advisor for IDC's Asia/Pacific Emerging Technology Council.

"Gen-i also differentiates in its ability to work closely with its vendor (Novell) to evolve its needs into the vendor offerings and help shape the next version of the vendor product," he said.

Gen-i recently won IDC's AP Innovation award with this model. It was the first time a New Zealand company has won the region-wide award which attracted entries from more than 200 companies across Asia-Pacific.

The IDC Dynamic IT Benchmark 2009 survey results also showed,
• Continued investment in Business Intelligence and Business Process Standardisation is healthy with more looking at remote application delivery projects to streamline access management in 2009.
• There is interest in adopting ITIL V3 standards in enabling IT management practices in corporate environment. The service lifecycle and continual service improvement aspects in ITIL V3 are key focus areas.
• Reducing cost structure in IT and gaining operational efficiencies are immediate priorities from business users, alongside improving customer services.
• Improving access to relevant information, data and IT resources is a key priority for majority.