Cloud strategies that take too long, legacy systems that add complexity, and recurring operational disruptions. When GlobalConnect maps how Nordic IT leaders view their digital infrastructure, a clear picture emerges: many organizations face a difficult balancing act between innovation and stability while operating with limited resources.
“This survey offers a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities IT leaders face today,” says Anna Granö, Executive Vice President, B2B at GlobalConnect. “It’s clear that many struggle to assemble a functional IT environment while demands for security, capacity and flexibility rise. We see a complex reality where legacy systems must be integrated with new solutions and where cloud strategies do not always unfold as planned.”
Most organizations use mixed approaches to data storage
The report, based on interviews with 225 IT and security leaders across Sweden, Norway and Denmark, shows that cloud migration is progressing more slowly in Denmark and Sweden. While 76% of Norwegian IT leaders report having completed extensive cloud migration, the figure in Sweden and Denmark is just above 40%.
According to the survey, the most common strategy is a mix of storage methods such as data centers, cloud storage and on-premises servers. Norway has the highest share of organizations relying primarily on cloud storage (33%), while Denmark has the lowest (9%).
Operational disruptions and insecure systems — Sweden stands out
Stability of IT infrastructure remains a persistent challenge, and Sweden stands out negatively. Nearly 20% of Swedish IT leaders report recurring problems with core IT systems, compared with only 3–4% in Norway and Denmark.
The survey also highlights that many organizations struggle with legacy systems that create unnecessary complexity. Nine out of ten IT leaders say it is important to continuously upgrade their IT environments, yet many still manage a mix of outdated systems, local servers and various cloud services—often from multiple vendors.
“Frequent operational disruptions directly affect an organization’s productivity and the trust of customers and other stakeholders. Modern IT infrastructures can be highly complex, with hybrid setups involving several 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.
A matter for the whole organization, not just the IT department
The report shows that we are in a period of rapid change where demands on IT infrastructure are increasing quickly in terms of both capacity and security. At the same time, available resources do not always keep pace, creating an imbalance between the needs of the IT environment and the resources to manage it.
“This is not a challenge that the IT department can solve alone,” says Anna Granö. “IT infrastructure and security are now business-critical issues that must be anchored at the executive level. Prioritizing correctly, modernizing structures while ensuring stability and security, requires both strategic thinking and practical action.”
Read the full report: GlobalConnect IT Insights: Digital Infrastructure – Opportunities, Barriers and Drivers from the IT Leader’s Perspective