Top Priorities for IT Application Strategies in 2025 Revealed: Insights from Info-Tech Research Group's Annual Report

Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has recently published its Applications Priorities 2025 report, which outlines the critical strategies and emerging trends IT leaders must focus on to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain competitiveness. As organisations face increasing pressure to adapt to exponential technologies and evolving user expectations, the report provides actionable insights for aligning application strategies with business goals and delivering transformative digital experiences. 

SYDNEY, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the pace of technological advancement continuing to accelerate exponentially, Info-Tech Research Group has published its Applications Priorities 2025 report, detailing key priorities and challenges shaping the future of IT application strategies. The global research and advisory firm's report identifies five critical priorities that IT leaders need to address to remain adaptive and resilient in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. These priorities include delivering engaging digital products, optimising platform management, democratising AI, enabling broad data access, and driving end-to-end business process optimisation.

Info-Tech Research Group has recently published its Applications Priorities 2025 report, which outlines the critical strategies and emerging trends IT leaders must focus on to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain competitiveness.

'The APAC region continues to embrace rapid digital transformation, with IT application strategies playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and addressing the region's unique challenges,' says George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. 'Organisations in Australia and across APAC must prioritise scalable, user-centric applications to remain competitive and resilient in an ever-changing landscape. By focusing on democratising AI, optimising platform management, and ensuring broad data access, IT leaders can unlock new growth opportunities and deliver lasting value to their organisations.'

The Applications Priorities 2025 report emphasises that IT leaders must balance user empowerment with governance and scalability, enabling innovation while mitigating risks. With users increasingly demanding greater control over their tools and data, the report advises organisations to adopt democratised IT practices that empower employees while maintaining robust governance frameworks. Additionally, Info-Tech highlights in the report the need to modernise legacy systems, improve data quality, and embrace collaborative methodologies to enhance collaboration between IT and business stakeholders. Based on insights from Info-Tech's Future of IT 2025 surveys and in-depth interviews with industry experts, the firm's annual Application Priorities report provides actionable guidance to help organisations address these critical challenges.

'Applications are no longer just tools—they're strategic enablers,' says Andrew Kum-Seun, Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group and lead author of the report. 'Organisations must align their application strategies with business objectives to ensure they deliver value, foster innovation, and remain adaptable in the face of rapid change. By addressing critical issues like technical debt, data quality, and user empowerment, IT leaders can unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.'

Info-Tech's Report Insights: The Key Priorities for Applications Leaders in 2025 

According to Info-Tech's research findings published in the firm's Applications Priorities 2025 report, the following five priorities are critical for IT leaders seeking to build scalable, user-centric application strategies this year:

1. Digital Products: Organisations must create engaging and valuable digital experiences for users, customers, employees, and partners, including designing user-centric, adaptable, and secure products that align with evolving customer needs and market trends.
   
   
2. Platform Management and Orchestration: Modern platforms must serve as scalable, interoperable ecosystems that empower users to build, customise, and extend solutions. Effective platform management and orchestration ensure accessibility, reliability, and adaptability.
   
   
3. Democratised AI: By extending AI access to all employees, organisations can foster innovation and productivity across the enterprise. Democratised AI requires robust governance, accessible tools, and strategies for scaling AI adoption.
   
   
4. Broad Data Access: Expanding access to trusted data sources and analysis tools empowers employees to make informed, data-driven decisions. Data literacy initiatives and comprehensive governance are critical to maximising the value of organisational data.
   
   
5. End-to-End Business Process Optimisation: Scaling business automation requires optimising roles, processes, and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention. By adopting end-to-end optimisation strategies, organisations can drive better outcomes across workflows.

Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Info-Tech's report also explores the disruptors and challenges IT leaders face as they navigate the complexities of modern application management. These key issues include:

• Technical Debt: Poorly managed technical debt can lead to inefficient systems and hinder innovation. Addressing technical debt is essential for maintaining flexibility and scalability.

• Data Quality: Inaccurate or incomplete data undermines decision-making, automation, and compliance efforts. Organisations must prioritise data quality through governance, strategy, and technology investments.

• User Expectations: With the rapid evolution, accessibility, and availability of applications, users are demanding more control and expecting more from their applications. Balancing user empowerment with governance is a growing challenge for IT teams.

'The rapid evolution of exponential technologies like generative AI has created both opportunities and risks for IT leaders,' says Kum-Seun. "By embracing user-centric design, enhancing data accessibility, and fostering collaboration across the enterprise, organisations can position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond."

Info-Tech's Applications Priorities 2025 report emphasises the importance of aligning technology strategies with business objectives, investing in foundational capabilities such as data governance and platform scalability, and fostering a culture of innovation by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and collaborative practices. This recommended approach empowers organisations to respond swiftly to market dynamics and emerging technologies, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability.

For exclusive commentary from Info-Tech's analysts and experts, including Andrew Kum-Seun, and access to the complete Applications Priorities 2025 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

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About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

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