Progress survey finds businesses have under two years to make digital inroads before suffering financial and competitive losses

Progress has announced the results of its recent global survey: "Are Businesses Really Digitally Transforming or Living in Digital Denial?" The survey, conducted in Q1 2016 by Loudhouse, the specialist research division of Octopus Group, aimed to better understand how business leaders view digital transformation and learn their plans to address its challenges.

While most businesses recognise the inherent benefits of "going digital," the majority of respondents are hitting roadblocks - lack of internal alignment, lack of adequate skills and plenty of cultural resistance. Coupled with technology constraints and an overall inability to execute, the result is a growing state of anxiety about embarking on digital transformation, with some fearing it may already be too late.

Key findings from the survey concluded:

* 96% of organisations see digital transformation as important or critical, yet 62% say their organisation is in denial about the need to transform digitally.
* 86% say they have two years to make inroads before suffering financial or competitive consequences (55% say a year or less); 59% are worried they may already be too late.
* 99% say the main driver for digital transformation is optimising customer experiences and engagement; 61% say customer engagement is a #1 priority for the next 12 months and 50% plan to invest in building applications in the next year.
* 72% feel IT is more likely to be the final decision-maker/budget holder for digital initiatives; 78% say better alignment of IT and marketing is needed to deliver on digital transformation efforts.
* 58% say a high reliance on IT to deliver strategy is a barrier to provide improved customer experience through digital transformation; more than half cite lack of skills and leadership as key barriers.

"Digital technologies are radically transforming business as we know it today and the driving force of change is based on the customer experience. Yet, many organisations continue to resist change. There needs to be a rapid awakening and acceptance that organisations must digitally transform to survive - and do it now," said Mark Troester, Vice President, Digital Solutions, Progress. "This survey brings to light the reality of today's digital transformation challenges, helping to educate and equip businesses with the information they need to succeed. Broad 'digital' concern has been palpable, but now we have data to prove it."

Survey respondents included a mix of more than 700 global C-Level/VP decision makers; heads of marketing, digital and IT; as well as developers, IT architects, directors, engineers and line of business managers. These individuals represent organisations ranging from SMBs through large global enterprises. For more information and to read the full survey findings, click here.