Cloud-based productivity tools, including those in the Microsoft Modern Workplace, have enabled many organizations to thrive in collaborative hybrid work environments and to easily access actionable insights from clean data. Our survey shows, however, that technology capabilities do not always align with technology realities.
Our 2026 survey interviewed company executives, IT team leaders, and employees at organizations ranging from $1m to $1b in annual revenue. While 91% of companies surveyed agree that 2026 success will depend on the capabilities of their primary IT service providers and partners, the road has some obstacles. 57% of executives report difficulty in finding candidates with required IT skills or certifications, and 35% of companies say that legacy systems slow their development.
Across all sectors, our data shows that cost is the most consistent barrier to new technology initiatives, reflecting the tension between expenditure and uncertain long-term results.
Many business leaders talk about a digital transformation in their industries, to the point that it’s become a corporate buzzword nearly as ubiquitous as synergy or let’s circle back. For some, digital transformation is about analytics; for others, process automation or business model change. That variance makes alignment and prioritization inherently harder. The numbers confirm this: 60% of IT professionals describe communication gaps between themselves and business leaders.
Digital transformation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, it’s the opposite. Strategic implementation of technology involves customized solutions that align to your organization’s unique business objectives and goals.
Regarding transformation, many organizations have already implemented some form of a financial operations (FinOps) framework to bring technology and business teams together. Over the past decade, organizations have invested in cloud services, and now, in many cases, cloud management is prohibitively complex. A FinOps collaboration shares accountability for heavy cloud expenditures and keeps business goals at the center of cloud infrastructure decisions.
As more organizations invest in cloud optimization, we expect to see an increased focus on data governance—establishing a framework for data management, quality, and accessibility. Companies will see a growing need to clean and organize their data—and connect disparate systems—before they can effectively use process automations. 91% of executives predict they will increasingly need to partner with third parties to optimize business technology investments.
See what trends are driving technology investments in 2026.
Our 2026 industry report looks at survey data from IT professionals and executives in East Tennessee and beyond. We cover topics including:
What are company leaders worried about, and where are they prioritizing technology budgets in 2026? How are organizations staying ahead in an increasingly competitive environment?
See the trends influencing business technology decisions.
Download your free copy of our industry report.
