MILAN, Italy, February 18, 2013 - A new study, which leverages results of IDC's European Vertical Markets survey of 1,603 Western European companies with more than 20 employees, shows that in general business priorities and areas of IT focus have not changed dramatically compared to last year as with uncertainty still hanging over the economic evolution, Western European companies are in some ways in "watchful mode".

This is not to say that the market is static and indeed if overall survey respondents confirm sensitive data protection as the top business priority in 2013, this year’s data also shows that reducing operational costs has grown in importance and is the top priority to both manufacturing segments and in the professional services/transport vertical. Greater attention to costs, moreover, combines with a continued effort to improve overall performance across most verticals.

Customer care decreased in importance this year, even if only slightly as it still remains a hot business priority across all vertical markets and significantly important to public sector organizations, professional services/transport and utilities/oil and gas companies. Regulatory compliance was perceived slightly less compelling last year; however it slowly coming back to be a hotter topic on companies' agenda as new or updated regulations are being issued. In particular, it has grown to be the top priority in utilities/oil and gas and healthcare but is also relevant in financial services and government and growing in importance for process manufacturers.

From an IT perspective the survey shows results that are aligned to what had emerged the previous year. In particular, Western European companies expect to meet their business objectives so long as the IT organization is able to secure an integrated access to data needed to take decision or run day by day operations. Nonetheless, the survey also confirms a growing focus on lowering the costs of IT, driven by a higher prioritization of cost compared to last year in healthcare, utilities/oil and gas, and process manufacturing along to the high importance that lowering the costs of IT still invests in government

The study confirms that there are significant differences from a vertical market perspective both for what is related to leading business initiatives and objectives for the IT organization in 2013.

"Companies across any vertical market are more likely to invest in IT if it proves to crack their real business issues and this is particularly important at times in which market uncertainty is high" said Nina Bonagura, senior research analyst, IDC European Industry Solutions. "To successfully target companies in different vertical markets it is therefore critical to identify different business priorities and align marketing messages accordingly."

The study, Western European Vertical Markets Business and IT Priorities in 2013: an IDC Survey (Doc #M02V, February 2013), focuses on the role of IT to achieve business objectives. Starting from an assessment of the key business initiatives for 2013 by vertical market, the report moves to reviewing which are perceived in the short term as the top objectives for the IT organization in order for it to better support the business.

To find out more about the survey including topics covered and scheduled publications, you may refer to the free methodology document A Look Into 2013 Vertical Markets and SMBs: IDC European Vertical Markets Survey 2012, Methodology (Doc #M11U, October 2012)

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For more than 48 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

Contact