Digitalization is advancing rapidly, transforming the way businesses operate and redefining their priorities. But how can companies navigate an ever-changing landscape where security, innovation, and costs seem to constantly clash? The answer lies in technology—not just as a tool, but as a true strategically.
What are the major challenges companies will face in the coming year?
- Security and data protection
Considering that SMEs make up over 95% of Ticino’s business landscape, unfortunately, 43% of them lack a protection plan, and only 14% are truly prepared to defend themselves. One in three SMEs in Switzerland has already fallen victim to attacks, with reports increasing by 39% over the past three years. Protecting data has become a necessity for business survival.
- Fragmented management of IT infrastructures
More than one in two companies is investing in the cloud, but with hybrid cloud, full cloud, single-provider, and multi-provider models, complexity is just around the corner. Over the next three years, the landscape is set to change dramatically: 40% of companies currently using a single-provider hybrid cloud model will migrate to other solutions, reducing this option to just 6%. At the same time, 52% of companies will move toward multi-provider hybrid cloud models, making this solution account for 78% of preferences. Strategic management can turn chaos into efficiency.
- Operations vs. innovation
Innovating is like walking a tightrope: maintaining balance is challenging, and every step must be carefully measured. For many companies, focusing on daily operations often means neglecting the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Yet industries such as pharmaceuticals (71%), manufacturing (66%), and electronics (62%) demonstrate that integrating AI into specific projects is not just a luxury but a strategic lever for growth. AI can transform processes, boost efficiency, and create a lasting competitive advantage.
- High IT costs and operational complexity
With an average of 1.4 IT professionals per SME in Ticino, keeping everything under control is a daunting task. Costs are rising, resources are scarce, and transforming expenses from capital expenditures (CapEx) to operating expenses (OpEx) becomes a matter of survival. In this scenario, IT outsourcing could be the right solution. Companies that have adopted this strategy have seen operational efficiency increase from 45% in the first few years to 65% by the fourth year. This demonstrates how relying on qualified technology partners can not only optimize costs but also significantly improve productivity and business competitiveness.
- Operational continuity and downtime
Every minute of IT downtime is like a leaking faucet, except in this case, it’s money flowing away. Some industries can lose up to 5,000 CHF per minute. With 40% of SMEs experiencing at least 8 hours of downtime after an attack, ensuring operational continuity is an absolute priority. No one can afford to stop.
How can technology make a difference and help tackle these challenges?
- Robust cybersecurity: Investing in tailored cybersecurity plans is not just a smart choice but an investment in the future of your business. Next-generation firewalls, threat detection systems, automatic backups, and proactive monitoring are just some of the tools available. Failing to protect your data is like leaving your front door open: sooner or later, someone will walk in.
- Flexible cloud solutions: For those seeking flexibility and security, the cloud is the answer. With a hybrid cloud model, you get the best of both worlds: scalability and reliability. Imagine managing sensitive data securely without compromising on speed and efficiency. Managed IT solutions centralize and optimize the management of hybrid infrastructures, ensuring scalability and seamless integration.
- Innovation as a modus operandi: Just like an explorer charting new routes on an uncharted map, an advanced managed service goes beyond ensuring smooth operations. Relying on a strategic partner means having someone by your side who constantly seeks innovations, stays updated on market trends, and identifies tailored solutions and opportunities that provide a competitive edge. For instance, technologies like AI can be applied not only to automate and accelerate processes or personalize the customer experience but also to develop unique solutions that address specific needs, turning managed services into a true growth accelerator.
- IT outsourcing: IT outsourcing helps reduce operational costs and allows internal resources to focus on what truly matters. Companies that have adopted this strategy have experienced improved performance by being able to consistently focus on their core business.
- Downtime prevention: Implementing disaster recovery strategies, real-time backups, predictive maintenance tools, and resilient IT infrastructures drastically reduces downtime and ensures productivity even during critical situations.
Key trends and statistics
Digitalization, cloud computing, and cybersecurity remain central themes. For instance, an increasing percentage of SMEs are adopting hybrid cloud models to combine security and flexibility. Another significant figure? The cost of downtime can reach thousands of francs per minute. These are just a few key statistics. To learn more, you can download the infographic featuring updated statistics to better tackle 2025, and the whitepaper for an in-depth look at solutions and technological strategies that can make a difference.
Conclusion
2025 waits for no one, and the companies that can adapt will be the ones leading the change. Tackling these challenges is possible with the right technologies: cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and IT outsourcing are not just tools but powerful weapons for success. Every choice made today can make a difference tomorrow. Turn challenges into opportunities and prepare your business for a safer, more innovative, and competitive future. Change is inevitable, but success is a choice.
