Overview
Client inquiries over the past month underscore the ongoing trend towards returning to the pragmatics of IT: namely, strategic ICT alignment with business outcomes. Overall, we see an uptick in questions relating to IT operational excellence.
Leading topics include cloud, cyber security, governance, and value extractions, reflecting organisations’ efforts to optimise operations and manage risk amidst evolving digital landscapes.
AI inquiries were largely focused on benefits realisation and return on investment. This is further evidence of growing focus on proving the outcomes of innovation. Notably, conversations are expanding beyond mere technology adoption, with a strong emphasis on integrating these solutions effectively, demonstrating tangible value, and ensuring robust governance and architectural oversight.
Your peer ICT executives are clearly prioritising cost optimisation, resilient operations, and strategic planning in response to persistent economic pressures and rapid technological advancements.
Hottest Topics
Topical Inquiries
Solve
Optimising Backup Solutions: A client needed to reassess its expiring Rubrik security cloud license due to capacity limits on itsexisting storage. IBRS provided a detailed comparison of HYCU, Cohesity, and Veeam, highlighting Rubrik’s vendor lock-in risk. The advice included considering HYCU for cost-effectiveness and performance in Nutanix environments, or Veeam for flexibility and low-cost disaster recovery to Azure, while acknowledging the need for re-skilling and data rehydration. Ask IBRS about backup solution options.
Enhancing Audit Strategy: A client sought a review of its IT services audit approach, particularly for IT help desk services. IBRS advised expanding the scope beyond automated password resets to a comprehensive identity and access management audit using the CIS18 framework. Recommendations included centralising account inventories, enforcing multi-factor authentication, and providing role-specific social engineering training, along with verifying these measures through formal policies and technical reviews. Ask IBRS to assist with improving your IT services delivery strategy.Â
Plan
Strategic Migration to Microsoft 365: A client was considering migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. IBRS advised on the risks, costs and pros and cons of a standalone migration due to constraints from the parent company and significant complexity. Key recommendations included delaying the migration to align with the parent’s global tenancy, preparing through information governance and data leakage prevention (Purview), and conducting licensing trials (F3 vs. E3) for specific user groups to ensure cost optimisation and reduced risk. Ask IBRS to review Microsoft migration and licensing plans.
Evaluating System Integrator Statement of Work for Mainframe to Cloud Transition: A state government agency required review of a system integrator’s statement of work (SoW) for a mainframe-to-cloud transition. IBRS provided a detailed analysis, identifying gaps in benefits realisation, oversight, security architecture alignment, and commercial scope management. Recommendations included providing further detail on these areas and leveraging existing IBRS resources for benefits mapping and project assurance, to ensure a more robust and well-managed transition program. Ask IBRS to review your Cloud Migration plan.
Market Scan for Integrated IT Service Management and DevOps Platforms: A federal government agency required a market scan for integrated IT service management, developer operations, and program/project management software. IBRS provided a comparative analysis of ServiceNow, the Atlassian Ecosystem (Jira Service Management + Confluence), and BMC Helix. IBRS advice detailed their strengths, costs, and suitability for government agencies with unique security requirements, guiding the agency in selecting a platform that aligns with their Agile/DevOps culture and strategic integration needs. Ask IBRS to assist with procuring IT service management solutions. Ask IBRS to explore your options for modern IT services management platforms.
Explore
Strategic Planning for Board Paper: The strategy group of a client sought IBRS’s view on trends impacting their 4-year rolling corporate strategy, including AI, cyber governance, digital sovereignty, and observability. IBRS clarified that observability spans network management, software monitoring, cost control, and AI governance. Advice included understanding the specific benefits sought from multi-cloud (procurement vs. strategy) and carefully evaluating IoT relevance for housing operations, guiding their strategic priorities for the upcoming corporate strategy. Ask IBRS to help with preparing your board-level advice.
Trending Topics
Source: https://filedn.com/lg9PvfuJ85l4T3HIUygaSSS/ZohoAnalytics/Inquiry_Trend_2025-08-01_to_2026-01-31.jpg
Whiteboard Sessions
- Strategic Cloud Transition Insights: The session provided a client with valuable external validation and confirmed their need for structured planning for their cloud migration stages.
- Project X: AI Survey Outcomes: The client received a comprehensive survey on AI utilisation, a detailed report, and a presentation, delivering actionable insights and a clear path forward.
- Project Continuity Workshop Outcomes: Reviewed recent outage, highlighting DR plan and critical recovery steps; recommended risk-based approach post-infrastructure refresh.
- Assessment for Organisational Improvement with Copilot: Identified areas for digital services enhancement and provided recommendations for Copilot rollout and training program
