Artificial Intelligence

International study shows: companies underestimate the lead time and complexity of digital transformation projects

Published

4 days ago

June 24, 2024

international-study-shows:-companies-underestimate-the-lead-time-and-complexity-of-digital-transformation-projects

Companies under pressure: Organizational adjustments are the main driver of IT transformations worldwide (36%). Sustainability is a key transformation motive for only 15%.During the transformation process, companies particularly underestimate communication between departments and divisions (39%) and the adequate provision of resources (30%).German companies are in third place when it comes to preparing their IT for the integration of future-oriented technologies (e.g. AI). Pioneers are Switzerland (47%) and the USA (43%).BIELEFELD, Germany and Walldorf, Germany, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Technological progress, new consumer habits and global developments are forcing companies to constantly adapt their IT systems. The fact that such projects are usually more complex and time-consuming than expected is demonstrated by the latest figures from the International Transformation Study 2024, which is conducted annually by the internationally operating SAP© consulting company NTT DATA Business Solutions AG together with IT service provider Natuvion GmbH. The study provides descriptive insights into the IT transformation practices of companies with the aim of providing managers with a compass for future projects. More than 1,200 CEOs, CIOs and IT decision-makers from a total of 15 countries were surveyed on ongoing or completed transformation projects.

Pressure to adapt to technology is increasing worldwide
Technological developments and the pressure on the economy to adapt are putting companies under pressure. At 36%, companies cite organizational adjustments (restructuring) as the most common reason for an IT transformation. In the automotive industry, which is undergoing a massive upheaval due to the switch to electromobility in particular, restructuring even tops the list of motives for transformation at 48%. The booming life sciences sector is doing similarly. Here, too, organizational adjustments came first with 38%.
Immediately after this, respondents across all participating countries chose the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence as the second most common transformation motive with 27%. In a comparison of countries, Switzerland and the USA lead the table of pioneers with 47% and 43% respectively. German companies are in third place: 37% of them stated that they had started their IT transformation in order to introduce modern technologies such as AI.

Growing demand for transformation expertise
A key finding of the Transformation Study 2024 is that companies often underestimate the challenges of their IT transformation – above all the organization of communication between departments and divisions (39%) during the process. The lack of existing transformation knowledge in companies (33%) and the difficulty of conducting a detailed analysis of the existing IT landscape and data (29%) are also particularly striking. In direct comparison to the previous year, the number of those who identified a lack of transformation expertise in their own company even increased by 5%. More than a third of all respondents therefore rated the option of engaging external consultants at an early stage and thus closing the existing skills gap as the second most important organizational measure for the successful implementation of their transformation project.
“The study clearly shows that a lack of expertise and a shortage of skilled workers are the main factors slowing down the transformation of companies. However, innovative and efficient IT is crucial in order to remain competitive,” explains Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions AG and EVP of NTT DATA, Inc. “The strategic management of transformation projects is therefore becoming increasingly relevant for companies worldwide. We involve managers and employees in the change process at an early stage and use our 35 years of expertise to ensure that our customers achieve their transformation goals on time and within budget.”

More data protection and cloud applications
For around a quarter of respondents, the integration of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence is already the primary reason for their IT transformation. If we restrict the range of respondents to representatives of top management, it becomes clear that data protection was rated even more important than AI. A full 44% of board members and managing directors state that data protection was a particularly important driver of their transformation.
The trend of moving applications to cloud platforms also continues unabated. Around 56% of companies state that they are using more cloud services as part of their transformation. In all countries surveyed, greater flexibility and faster customization options are the main reasons for cloud use (39%). Other reasons for increased cloud use include the acceleration of business processes (38%) and, once again, faster and easier access to technical innovations such as automation (37%). Better scalability (16%) and greater data security (13%) are also of key importance for cloud use.
Patrick Dahse, Managing Director of Natuvion GmbH, which has been part of NTT DATA Business Solutions since August 2022, emphasizes the central importance of data quality for transformation projects: “Good data has always been the basis and fuel for innovative processes and in the age of AI, its importance continues to increase. The study results confirm this and show that Only those who keep their data in the appropriate quality, harmonized and centrally available will be able to make optimal use of the blessings of technical developments in the future.”
The full results of the “Transformation Study 2024” can be found here.

About NTT DATA Business Solutions
NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider with a focus on SAP and a powerful partner network. With more than 35 years of experience, we support companies worldwide on their way to the Intelligent Enterprise. We deliver end-to-end solutions that sustainably accelerate growth and success – from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and use the latest technologies to advise our customers individually and across industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries are at work every day.
NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA. Headquartered in Tokyo, the trusted global business and technology leader generates revenues of over 30 billion US dollars. As One NTT DATA, we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and help our clients innovate, optimize and transform processes for their long-term success. NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group.

About Natuvion
Natuvion is a digital relocation company. Natuvion moves business-critical data and processes from one technological platform to another! The Natuvion experts are always called upon when medium-sized and large companies want to modernize, optimize, separate, merge or rebuild their IT systems! This exclusive expertise in technical transformation enables Natuvion customers to always use their data and processes on the most modern and innovative technologies. As Inc. 5000 and FT 1000, the Natuvion Group has been one of the most dynamically growing software and IT consulting companies in Europe for 4 consecutive years.
Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions
Jasmin Straeter
Head of Global Communications
NTT DATA Business Solutions AG
Königsbreede 1, 33605 Bielefeld, Germany
T: +49 521 9 14 48 108
E-Mail: [email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2444117/NTT_DATA_Business_Solutions_1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/international-study-shows-companies-underestimate-the-lead-time-and-complexity-of-digital-transformation-projects-302178375.html

Artificial Intelligence

Vote Compass Launches in the UK

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

Online application developed by political scientists calculates the alignment between users and political partiesVote Compass powered by rigorous independent analysis of party platforms and direct consultations with party representativesVote Compass tool has featured in more than 50 elections worldwide and used by over 35 million peopleApplication draws more than 100,000 users within 48 hours of launchLONDON, June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to help voters get a clearer sense of how their political views compare with those of the parties campaigning for election, a team of political scientists has launched votecompass.uk, an online tool that surveys users about their positions on a range of public policy issues and then provides them with a personalised analysis of their fit in the political landscape.

The application has already drawn over 100,000 users in just 48 hours.
Vote Compass offers users with all levels of political knowledge or interest an engaging and accessible entry point into the public policy dimension of the election. It was developed in collaboration with leading UK political scientists, including:
Prof Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social ResearchProf Maria Sobolewska, professor of political science at the University of ManchesterProf Phil Cowley, professor of politics at Queen Mary University, LondonDr Jac Larner, lecturer in politics at Cardiff UniversityDr Jamie Pow, lecturer in political science at Queen’s University BelfastVote Compass is powered by a rigorous independent analysis of the party platforms. For the last six months, a team of analysts conducted a comprehensive review of policy statements made by political parties in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They also engaged in direct consultations with representatives from each of the parties. The data collected from this process was used to calibrate the parties using a series of advanced statistical models that plot the parties in proximity to a Vote Compass user.
“Vote Compass is an incredible resource in terms of the rigorous research that has been undertaken to determine where each party sits on the ideological spectrum,” said Prof Maria Sobolewska. “It’s like having a team of political scientists do the preliminary research for you and present it in a very personalised and easy-to-understand format.”
Originally intended to go live in advance of a fall election in partnership with a major UK media organisation, the snap summer election call necessitated an accelerated and independent launch of the Vote Compass tool. This launch marks the premiere appearance of Vote Compass in a UK election. Over the last 15 years, the tool has been featured in more than 50 elections worldwide and used by more than 35 million people. Vote Compass is operated by Vox Pop Labs.
Vote Compass will be available to the public through to Election Day (July 4, 2024) at votecompass.uk.
About Vox Pop LabsVox Pop Labs is an independent, non-partisan, certified social enterprise founded and operated by academics. It was established in 2010 with the aim of promoting civic participation and democratic representation using innovative digital products and advanced data science. Its products have been used by tens of millions of people worldwide.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Clifton van der Linden
Founder and CEO
Vox Pop Labs
[email protected]
Ms Joanna Massie
Principal Analyst, United Kingdom
Vox Pop Labs
[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vote-compass-launches-in-the-uk-302185554.html

Artificial Intelligence

Wondershare Filmora Releases Gen Z Whitepaper: ‘Gen Z in Action: Exploring This Generation’s Reflection on AI, Influencer Culture, and Content Creation’

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

wondershare-filmora-releases-gen-z-whitepaper:-‘gen-z-in-action:-exploring-this-generation’s-reflection-on-ai,-influencer-culture,-and-content-creation’

VANCOUVER, BC, June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wondershare Filmora, one of the most popular video editing software for young creators, released its first Gen Z Whitepaper based on a comprehensive interview and survey focusing on the aspect of Gen Z social reflection. This interview is an insightful study of Filmora users, college students, and high schoolers who are trending on social media and influencer culture in North America.

Click to download “Gen Z in Action” Whitepaper:
This comprehensive document, based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Gen Z individuals, explores the dynamic and innovative world of this generation, shedding light on their dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity, adaptation to AI, and passion for content creation. The whitepaper aims to debunk common misconceptions about Gen Z, revealing a generation that values skills, authenticity, and the integration of AI in their creative processes. This insightful white paper is titled the same as Filmora’s Gen Z documentary, “Gen Z in Action.”
Key Findings:
Valuing Education with a Focus on Skills and Entrepreneurship: While traditional education remains important, Gen Z places a higher priority on practical skills and entrepreneurial ventures.Passion for Content Creation: Driven by expression, authenticity, and entertainment, content creation is a significant passion for Gen Z, offering flexible working hours and potential passive income.Trust in Live Content: Gen Z trusts creators and finds their product recommendations particularly influential when delivered through live streams, perceiving live content as more genuine than pre-recorded content.Adaptation to AI: Gen Z has adeptly adapted AI for content creation, communication, and data analysis. They view AI not as a job threat but as a tool to boost productivity and serve as a creative partner.”In the past decades, we’ve witnessed the thriving of social media and content creation renovated by the millennials. It’s been a decade of incredible transformation in the digital space, driven by events like VidCon, the creator’s gala. We are fortunate to embrace the new era of AI and this new generation, who are a force of nature, bursting with individuality, creativity, and unique storytelling styles. They’re redefining self-expression and the social media landscape through videos and live streaming. We’re here to empower every person to tell their story.” – Christy, VP, Wondershare.
About Filmora
Filmora is designed with users in mind, offering smooth performance and an intuitive interface. With advanced AI capabilities, over 220,000 creative assets, commercially available music, 3D LUTs, effects, and pre-set templates, it provides everything you need to realize your creative vision. Filmora is accessible across all platforms. Download for free on Filmora, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more
About Wondershare
Wondershare is a global software company known for innovative solutions in creativity and productivity. Recognized with awards from The Shorty Awards, G2, and GetApp, Wondershare serves over 100 million users in 150 countries with software for video editing, PDF management, data recovery, and more.
Media Contact: [email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2450535/Wondershare_Filmora_Gen_Z_Documentary_Whitepaper_Gen_Z_Action_Fearfiction.jpgLogo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1274391/wondershare_LOGO.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wondershare-filmora-releases-gen-z-whitepaper-gen-z-in-action-exploring-this-generations-reflection-on-ai-influencer-culture-and-content-creation-302185528.html

Artificial Intelligence

atNorth Recognized at RAC Cooling Industry Awards

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

The leading Nordic data center business was acknowledged for its innovative cooling technology and its dedication to customer service.
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland, June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — atNorth, the leading Nordic colocation, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence service provider, has announced its shortlisting in the `Customer Initiative of the Year’ category at RAC’s 21st Annual Cooling Awards.

The awards aim to celebrate innovation, best practice and business excellence across the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. With global awareness of the amount of energy needed to power and cool data centers, especially those built to cater for AI and other data intensive industries it is important to atNorth to showcase the benefits of its cool Nordic locations that allow for highly energy efficient cooling technologies.
atNorth was recognized for its work with Shearwater Geoservices, a business that initially had some apprehension over moving digital infrastructure away from the UK to one of atNorth’s data centers in Iceland. atNorth liaised extensively with the Shearwater team, enabling access to its Gompute HPCaaS Platform in order to conduct comprehensive testing before migrating to their own servers. Shearwater successfully moved its UK HPC to atNorth’s ICE02 site resulting in a 92% reduction in CO2 output and an 85% reduction in cost.
“We are delighted to be acknowledged at RAC’s Annual Cooling Awards,” says Anna Kristín Pálsdóttir, CDO, at atNorth. “The cooling of digital infrastructure is becoming a fundamental factor in choosing a data center partner and we are committed to raising awareness of more sustainable options in the industry.”
The news follows atNorth’s win in the `Digital Infrastructure Project of the Year’ category at the Tech Capital Awards and the `Colocation Provider of the Year’ category at the Electrical Review & Data Centre Review Awards. Additionally, the business has also achieved considerable recognition by multiple other awarding bodies including TechRound’s Sustainability60 campaign, the Data Cloud Global Awards, the Energy Awards, the DCS Awards and the UK Green Business Awards.
About atNorth
atNorth is a leading Nordic data center services company that offers sustainable, cost-effective, scalable colocation and high-performance computing services trusted by industry-leading organizations. The business acquired leading High-Performance Computing (HPC) provider, Gompute, in 2023 enabling a compelling full stack offering tailored to AI and other critical high-performance workloads.
With sustainability at its core, atNorth’s data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. The tailor-made solutions enable businesses to calculate, simulate, train and visualize data workloads in an efficient, cost-optimized way.
atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland and operates seven data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, with additional sites to open in Helsinki, Finland and in Denmark in Q4 2024, as well as its tenth site ready for operation in Kouvola, Finland in 2025.
For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Press Contact:Caroline BruntonKite Hill PR for atNorth+44 (0) 7796 274 [email protected]
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/atnorth/r/atnorth-recognized-at-rac-cooling-industry-awards,c4008214
The following files are available for download:
https://mb.cision.com/Main/18907/4008214/2890233.pdf
Release
https://news.cision.com/atnorth/i/ice03-02227-front-left-close,c3315797
ICE03 02227 front left close