Source: VMware infographic.

VMware, a leading company in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, recently shared the results of their vForum Singapore Business Survey. The survey shows a positive attitude toward hybrid cloud solutions, which combine public cloud services with internal cloud technology, as a method of driving growth, efficiency, and innovation. Almost every business surveyed (90%) believes that the cloud can facilitate innovation, and nearly half (44%) prefer a hybrid cloud model for their IT infrastructure.

For businesses in Singapore, optimizing resources (34%) was the most important goal, reflecting the country’s emphasis on productivity and doing more with less. This focus was followed by improving customer experience through personalization (29%) and promoting greater collaboration within their business networks (28%). The survey also found that Singaporean businesses seek technologies that are scalable (36%), adaptable (25%), and easy to manage (29%).

While security remains a top priority in 2016, 25% of businesses have decreased their security spending in the past year. Cost was the biggest obstacle to adopting new technologies (46%), and 64% of respondents felt that the effectiveness of security in virtual environments depends on the vendor. These results suggest a cautious approach to security investments, with businesses preferring built-in security features over add-ons to avoid higher costs.

Enabling business mobility is highly important (83%), particularly with a mobile penetration rate exceeding 140%. The biggest concerns regarding business mobility were managing data security (53%) and application integration (30%).

Ron Goh, VP and GM of VMware ASEAN, stated, “As Singapore becomes increasingly digital, we’ve seen innovative business models like Airbnb and Uber emerge, transforming how we work, live, and grow. Ranked 7th on the Global Innovation Index, Singapore offers businesses the support and environment they need to innovate and adapt in today’s mobile-cloud era. VMware is dedicated to providing cloud and business mobility solutions that are scalable, flexible, and easy to manage, helping businesses in Singapore remain relevant and competitive throughout their IT transformation.”

Mobile-cloud technology is revolutionizing every industry, reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their customers. The vForum Singapore Business Survey highlights the crucial role of hybrid cloud solutions and business mobility in addressing this shift. Pat Gelsinger, CEO of VMware, outlines five business priorities for success:

Asymmetry in Business – Innovate like a Startup, Deliver like an Enterprise:

As one of the largest and fastest-growing mobile economies in the region, businesses in Singapore need technologies that enable agility, better connectivity, and increased productivity—the ability to expand and innovate faster than ever. In today’s competitive market, startups are quick to embrace new business models. Established businesses need to recognize that their established advantages are shrinking and feel pressure to be as innovative as startups while maintaining the delivery standards of larger enterprises.

Embrace the Professional Era of Cloud:

VMware believes the cloud industry is shifting towards a more connected and compatible Professional Era of Cloud. This unified hybrid cloud is the future of IT, providing a solid foundation for years to come.

Protect People, Apps, and Data:

Singapore boasts ASEAN’s most competitive mobile market, but the abundance of devices creates more opportunities for security breaches. Virtualization acts as a vital link between the underlying IT infrastructure and the applications and data it supports. VMware highlights technologies like NSX, which helps businesses utilize virtualization to fortify their network core.

Focus on Proactive Technology:

The future will rely on intelligent automation, enabling predictions in almost every aspect of business. Predictive analytics provides valuable business intelligence that promotes innovation and smarter decision-making.

Tech-Driven Change:

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, inaction is the biggest risk. IT is a driving force for transformation, and businesses have a chance to become pioneers and innovators leading the charge.

Interested?

Learn more about how VMware contributed to Ayeyarwady Bank’s success by reading the TechTrade Asia blog post.

*This survey, conducted by VMware from September to October 2015, involved 225 business and IT managers and decision-makers from Singapore. They shared their insights on business goals and IT priorities for 2016, along with the roles of technology and innovation in propelling their businesses. *

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, Telecommunications Statistical Charts, Mobile Penetration Rate

Global Innovation Index 2015, 2015 Country Rankings

GSM Association, The Mobile Economy, Asia Pacific 2015