The fourth edition of VMware Cloud Index 2013, conducted by Forrester Consulting, revealed three key trends across 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region: 1) Rise of IT as a change enabler in business; 2) Growing focus on the software-defined approach in the mobile cloud era; and 3) Need for IT to become a service broker.
Rise of IT as a change enabler in APJ
Organizations in Asia Pacific are increasingly looking to cloud or as-a-service approaches to accelerate business transformation. The VMware Cloud Index 2013 found that 65% agree that cloud or 'as-a-service' approaches will help their organization compete more effectively in the marketplace with almost a third (30%) saying cloud or 'as-a-service' approaches are a top priority for their organization and significantly impacts business transformation. Additionally, 84% see it enabling their organization to optimize their existing IT efficiency and effectiveness.
Asia Pacific has reached a significant level of cloud maturity, with 72% saying they have already deployed or are planning to deploy cloud-related initiatives in the next 12 months. This suggests that the region is ready for the next phase of IT transformation to prepare for the mobile cloud era.
The study also pointed to a marked change in the perception of IT, with 78% of respondents responding that IT is viewed as a change enabler and source of business value to the organization.
"The Asia Pacific region is showing signals that it's ready to enter the new era of IT and drive business transformation through IT transformation," said Sanjay Mirchandani, senior vice president and general manager, VMware Asia Pacific & Japan. "The next era in Asia Pacific will be defined by a mobile-cloud and software-defined approach that is tightly connected to delivering business value."