IT infrastructure: the lifeblood of modern society

Johannes Müller and Xia Xubing on the Datwyler study “How digital are small and medium-sized businesses?”

How are businesses meeting the strategic and technical challenges in the medium and long term? Datwyler Cabling Solutions addressed this question in a study in which the market research institute Techconsult surveyed 200 executives from companies in both the DACH region – Germany, Austria, Switzerland – and in China mainland. Johannes Müller, CEO of Datwyler Cabling Solutions, and Xia Xubing, Managing Director of Datwyler Cabling Solutions in China, place the significance of the most important findings within the present context.

In all the countries surveyed the respondents were aware that successful digitisation can only succeed with a sustainable IT infrastructure. Around 83 percent of those who took part in the study in the DACH region thought it crucial or important. In China the figure was almost 98 percent.

Implement projects without delay
Datwyler carried out the study in December 2019 and January 2020, prior to the corona pandemic. “The crisis has shown how vital a robust and sustainable IT infrastructure is now and in the future for digitised processes as the lifeblood of our modern society. The only advice can therefore be not to delay any longer and to develop and implement digital infrastructures, processes and business models with even greater vigour and all possible speed,” says Johannes Müller.

The businesses surveyed are in the midst of the digitisation process and want to play an active part in shaping it. On average one third (33 percent) of businesses in the DACH region are in the process of implementing digitisation projects, in China the figure is 37 percent. In the DACH region digitisation is an integral part of business strategy for another 44 percent, in China this is stated by 45 percent state.

The lead should not be jeopardised
“The study shows that the Chinese companies are taking a committed and strategic approach to digitisation. Particularly small and medium-sized businesses in China are very proactive in planning projects, introducing new business models and investing,” summarises Xia Xubing. He also makes the following appeal: “Against the background of the repercussions of the coronavirus on the global economy, the Chinese companies ought not to rely on their lead in digitisation, but should continue investing on a technical and organisational level and systematically push ahead with transformation.”

You will find the detailed study results here >