Andrew Dobbins, regional vice president, Verizon Business Asia-Pacific
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| Our customers have to cope with downward financial pressures and are trying to do more for their business with much fewer resources. | ||
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Q: What was the biggest thing that affected your company in 2008?
The biggest challenge we faced in 2008 was the continued global expansion of our business to support the evolving needs of our multinational customers. Our customers obviously have to cope with downward financial pressures. They are trying to do more for their business with much fewer resources. For our part, Verizon Business has invested in our global capabilities to help our customers meet their these challenges.
Also, finding appropriately skilled IT and security professionals has contributed to the demand for more flexible and selective outsourcing and managed service arrangements. More global customers are adopting managed services, rather than investing in expensive local-to-global, in-house expertise.
As a result, in 2008 we saw continued strong demand for what we call strategic services, which include professionally managed security, IT, communications and network solutions. Overall, strategic services generated US$1.6 billion in revenue, up 15.4 percent from third quarter 2007.
What will business be like as the recession looms?
One way or another, the recession will have an impact on businesses and individuals alike. However, in our region, firms always value the concept of efficiency, and robust and effective IT and communications infrastructures allow them to have that, and at the same time give them cost savings.
In 2009, enterprises will continue to try to extend their reach to their fullest potential by implementing the appropriate IT and communications products and services, and become more flexible and adaptable entities. Key will be the availability of reliable, available, secure and far-reaching and very high-bandwidth networks that support companies' business aims.
The biggest challenge facing IT departments is...
...the fear of more budget cuts, which are made more complicated by the inability to find experienced IT and security professionals.
To cope with these challenges, IT departments may want to consider options like managed services, rather than investment in expensive local-to-global in-house expertise.
Further, the security of the extended enterprise will continue to be a deciding factor in overall business success.
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