U.S. enterprises are set to significantly ramp up their IT infrastructure spending in 2025, with a specific focus on enhancing networking and security measures. This trend is underscored by insights from Open Systems’ 2025 IT Infrastructure Report, conducted in partnership with Osterman Research, which surveyed 200 IT leaders. The comprehensive report sheds light on the priorities, challenges, and budget allocations related to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and network transformation within the corporate sector.
Key Trends and Budget Increases
Increased Focus on Networking and Security
The report reveals a palpable shift among enterprises, with more than 70% planning to increase their expenditure on networking and security in the upcoming year. This heightened focus underscores the critical importance of robust IT infrastructure in maintaining operational efficiency and protecting sensitive data. The commitment to ramping up spending highlights an acknowledgment of the evolving threat landscape and the need for advanced security measures to safeguard organizational assets.
Interestingly, the report also identifies a marked inclination towards adopting SASE frameworks, despite existing challenges such as infrastructure limitations and a shortage of skilled personnel. For instance, 43% of organizations that manage SASE internally are preparing for significant budget increases compared to 31% of those outsourcing SASE management. This disparity points to a growing recognition of the inherent value in effectively managing network security internally, even in the face of resource constraints.
Overcoming Barriers to Adoption
Adopting new technologies often comes with its own set of challenges, and the move towards SASE is no exception. The report highlights several barriers, including infrastructure limitations and a deficiency in specialized skills required for effective SASE management. These hurdles necessitate not just financial investment but also a strategic approach to training and resource allocation to overcome them. For enterprises opting to manage SASE internally, the need for a comprehensive understanding of the technology and its implications becomes crucial.
Another critical aspect highlighted is the varying importance of a single-vendor SASE solution. IT leaders managing SASE internally tend to prioritize robust technical integrations and service agility over single-vendor solutions. Conversely, those outsourcing SASE management place a higher emphasis on a streamlined, single-vendor approach. This variation reflects differing strategies and priorities in managing network security, tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each organization.
Expertise and Customer Support
Importance of 24/7 Customer Support and Technical Integrations
The importance of 24/7 customer support from experts is one of the paramount factors that IT leaders prioritize when considering investment in networking and security solutions. Continuous support from skilled professionals ensures that enterprises can promptly address any network or security issues that arise, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. This aspect is particularly crucial in an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and relentless.
Robust technical integrations also stand out as a key priority for IT leaders. Seamless integration with existing systems and technologies not only enhances operational efficiency but also enables a more cohesive and resilient IT infrastructure. Enterprises are increasingly looking for solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into their current setups, allowing for scalability and adaptability as needs evolve. This emphasis on technical integration underscores the need for flexible and future-proof solutions in an ever-changing technological landscape.
The Value of Outsourcing SASE Management
Stefan Keller, Chief Product Officer at Open Systems, underscores the evident value that organizations see in outsourcing SASE management. Outsourcing allows enterprises to leverage specialized expertise, facilitating smoother deployment and overcoming implementation hurdles. Keller points out that even amidst economic challenges, there is a clear recognition of the benefits of investing in IT networking and security. This strategic move not only addresses immediate security needs but also positions organizations for long-term success in managing network infrastructure.
The report synthesizes a broader trend towards increased financial commitments to IT infrastructure, particularly focusing on SASE and associated network security measures. It brings to light the diverse challenges and preferences of IT leaders, presenting a narrative that reflects the varied strategies within the landscape of network transformation and security. Despite economic uncertainties, the consistent drive to enhance IT infrastructure signals its critical importance in the modern enterprise environment.
Future Outlook
Sustained Investment Amidst Economic Uncertainties
Looking forward to 2025, the report indicates that enterprises will continue to prioritize IT infrastructure investments, undeterred by economic uncertainties. This sustained investment underscores the indispensable role of robust networking and security frameworks in supporting organizational objectives and resilience. As cyber threats continue to evolve, maintaining a proactive stance in IT security becomes not just a priority but a necessity for modern enterprises.
Interestingly, the inclination towards outsourcing SASE management is also expected to grow, with enterprises seeking to mitigate the challenges of skill shortages and infrastructure limitations. This approach allows organizations to tap into a pool of specialized knowledge and resources, ensuring that they stay ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. The preference for outsourcing also aligns with the broader trend of optimizing operational efficiencies and focusing on core competencies.
Preparing for the Future
In 2025, U.S. companies are set to significantly increase their spending on IT infrastructure, placing heavy emphasis on boosting their networking and security capabilities. This forecast is validated by the 2025 IT Infrastructure Report from Open Systems, which partnered with Osterman Research to survey 200 IT leaders. The detailed report provides valuable insights into the priorities, challenges, and budget plans surrounding Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and network changes within the corporate world. The findings reveal that IT leaders are prioritizing investment in technologies that enhance security and network performance, highlighting the growing importance of SASE frameworks and robust networking solutions. Companies are recognizing the need to fortify their digital infrastructures to support increased remote work and data flow, as well as to safeguard against escalating cyber threats. As organizations prepare for a more interconnected future, these investments are aimed at ensuring seamless and secure operations across diverse environments, emphasizing the critical role of advanced IT infrastructure in driving business success.
