IT managers in the Nordics struggle with cloud strategies, outdated systems, and operational disruptions

Cloud strategies that drag on, old systems creating complexity, and recurring operational disruptions. When GlobalConnect maps out how Nordic IT managers view their digital infrastructure, the picture is clear: many face a difficult balancing act between innovation and stability – all while dealing with limited resources.

"This survey provides a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities that IT managers face today," says Anna Granö, Executive Vice President, B2B at GlobalConnect. "It is clear that many are struggling to put together a functioning IT environment while the demands for security, capacity, and flexibility continue to grow. We see a complex reality where legacy systems need to be integrated with new solutions and cloud strategies don't always go according to plan."

Most organizations combine different methods of data storage.
The report, based on interviews with 225 IT and security managers in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, reveals that cloud migration is progressing more slowly in Denmark and Sweden. While 76% of Norwegian IT managers report having completed a comprehensive cloud migration, the figure in Sweden and Denmark is just over 40%.

According to the survey, the most common strategy is a combination of various storage methods, such as data centers, cloud storage, and internal servers. The highest proportion of organizations primarily relying on cloud storage is found in Norway (33%), while the lowest is in Denmark (9%).

Operational disruptions and insecure systems – Sweden stands out
The stability of IT infrastructure is a constant challenge, and Sweden stands out negatively in this regard. Nearly 20% of Swedish IT managers report recurring problems with central IT systems, compared to only 3–4% in Norway and Denmark.

The survey also highlights that many organizations struggle with old systems that create unnecessary complexity. 9 out of 10 IT managers believe that continuously upgrading their IT environment is important, yet many are still forced to manage a mix of outdated systems, on-premises servers, and various cloud services – often from multiple providers.

"Frequent operational disruptions directly impact an organization's productivity as well as trust from customers and other stakeholders. Modern IT infrastructures can be highly complex, with hybrid solutions involving multiple vendors. This makes it especially important to have processes in place to prevent systems from becoming vulnerable," says Emma Helton, Security Product Manager at GlobalConnect.

An issue for the entire organization – not just the IT department
The report shows that we are in a period of change where the demands on IT infrastructure are rapidly increasing, both in terms of capacity and security. At the same time, resources do not always keep up, creating an imbalance between the needs of the IT environment and the resources available to manage it.

"This is not a challenge that falls solely on the IT department to solve," says Anna Granö. "IT infrastructure and security are now business-critical issues that must be anchored at the executive level. Prioritizing correctly, modernizing structures, and at the same time ensuring stability and security is a challenge that requires both strategic thinking and practical action."

About the Survey
The report is based on a survey conducted by Demoskop on behalf of GlobalConnect. A total of 225 IT and security managers in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were interviewed in September 2024.

The survey covers the following themes:

Part 1: The Current Situation

• How do IT managers view their overall IT infrastructure?
• How is the cloud strategy evolving?
• Will outsourcing increase or decrease in the future?
• How effective is cybersecurity?

Part 2: IT Managers’ Challenges

• Insufficient conditions to achieve organizational goals
• Issues in daily operations
• Legacy systems