GlobalConnect: Nordic companies choose hybrid cloud solutions

GlobalConnect highlights how cloud storage and digital transformation have been central topics for over a decade. But what does the actual development look like in the Nordics? A new survey from GlobalConnect shows that companies in the region are taking different paths in their IT strategy – with a combination of cloud, data center and on-premises solutions being the most common strategy.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to IT infrastructure,” says Anna Granö, Executive Vice President, B2B at GlobalConnect“Our research shows that companies are choosing different strategies depending on their business needs – some are investing in extensive cloud migration, while others are using hybrid solutions to balance security, cost and flexibility. Regardless of the strategy, it is crucial to have a strong and secure digital infrastructure that supports business needs both today and in the future.”

Different paces in the cloud journey – strategic choices affect development

The survey, based on responses from 225 IT managers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, shows that 76 % of Norwegian companies have completed a comprehensive cloud migration. In Sweden and Denmark, the figure is just over 40 %.

Norwegian business tend to consolidate their IT environment with a smaller set of suppliers. In Sweden and Denmark, the IT environment is more fragmented, where companies combine cloud and on-premises solutions to a greater extent.

Public sector takes the lead – budget structure matters

The survey also shows that the public sector has taken cloud implementation further than private companies. 23% of public sector IT managers report having completed a full cloud migration, compared to 13% of private sector IT managers.

“Public sector organizations often have more predictable IT budgets and clear long-term strategies, making it easier to make large-scale cloud investments. At the same time, the public sector has specific requirements for security, data protection and regulatory compliance, which means that the choice of cloud solutions often requires more careful analysis. Instead of focusing solely on public cloud services we see that many public organizations combine different technologies to ensure both flexibility and control, “says Anna Granö.

Three key factors for a successful IT strategy

For companies that want to ensure a robust and flexible IT environment, GlobalConnect identifies three key actions:

1. Define a clear strategy – Regardless of whether cloud or a hybrid solution is the goal, the strategy needs to be well-rooted at the management level.
2. Minimize complexity and consolidate services – Too many different suppliers can make your IT environment difficult to monitor and can create unnecessary security risks. An increasingly clear trend is that companies reduce the number of suppliers to simplify management and improve security as well as reduce costs.
3. Prioritize security and control – Ensure that both cloud and on-premises solutions meet security requirements and that there is a clear strategy for data protection and backup.

“Finding the right balance between cloud and on-premises solutions is crucial to maximizing both security and business value,” concludes Anna Granö“Our research shows that companies in the Nordics are taking different paths, but that a well-thought-out mix of technologies often yields the best results.”

Read the full report here: GlobalConnect IT Insights: Digital Infrastructure – Opportunities, Obstacles and Drivers from the CIO's Perspective

About the survey

The report is based on a survey conducted by Demoskop on behalf of GlobalConnectA total of 225 IT and security managers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark were interviewed in September 2024.
The survey covers the following themes:

Part 1: The current situation

• How do IT managers view their overall IT infrastructure?
• How is the cloud strategy evolving?
• Will outsourcing increase or decrease in the future?
• How well is cybersecurity holding up?

Part 2: Challenges for IT managers

• Insufficient conditions for achieving organizational goals
• Problems in daily operations
• System inheritance