IT Departments are under increasing pressure to do more with less, while at the same time, adding more value to the bottom line of a business.  It’s a tough job, and one that’s been even more challenging in the recent economic conditions. 
 
However, in light of the improving economy, we believe things are changing and so undertook some research to better understand the current challenges and priorities of IT decision makers across EMEA and their attitudes and barriers to embracing new technology.
 
The great news is that the role of IT has the support from the Board - 67% of Boards understand that IT solutions can make the organisation more competitive.  The not-so-great news is that 48% of IT budgets are being spent maintaining legacy systems and existing IT equipment, so while the will is there, the means may not be.  Solutions that interoperate with legacy systems will continue to have a high priority.
 
Even more concerning:  security is cited as the #1 challenge and unauthorised access to the network as the biggest of all the security fears, but the use of strategies to address and monitor unauthorised access is sketchy.  Remember that hacking into VoIP or UC sessions could mean the malicious party intercepting signaling and/or media flowing between two endpoints at any of several points along the communications path, so an enterprise VoIP security strategy should protect both the endpoint and the media itself. 
It’s interesting reading.  Take a look:  info.sonus.net/emea-research-removing-barriers