Navigating IT Spending Amid Rising Tariffs: Insights from DisrupTV Episode 392

In DisrupTV Episode 392, Constellation Research's R "Ray" Wang and Vala Afshar engaged in a compelling discussion with Crawford Del Prete, President of IDC, and Gurvinder Sahni, Chief Marketing Officer at Persistent Systems, to explore the multifaceted impact of tariffs on IT spending in 2025.

IT Spending Forecasts: Growth Amidst Economic Challenges

Crawford Del Prete projected an 8–13% growth in IT spending for 2025, driven by significant investments in server infrastructure and cloud services. Specifically, he highlighted:

  • 18% growth in server and storage investments.
  • 20% growth in Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) expenditures.

These projections suggest a continued commitment to digital transformation, even as enterprises navigate the complexities introduced by global trade policies.

Persistent Systems' Resilience and Strategic Focus

Gurvinder Sahni shared that Persistent Systems achieved a 19.9% revenue increase, underscoring the company's resilience in a challenging economic environment. He attributed this growth to:

  • Strategic investments in AI-driven marketing solutions.
  • A 12.2% increase in cybersecurity spending, reflecting heightened concerns over digital threats.

Sahni emphasized that while tariffs present challenges, they also accelerate the need for innovation and strategic investments in technology.

The Dual Impact of Tariffs on IT Strategies

Both Del Prete and Sahni discussed how tariffs influence IT strategies in two primary ways:

  1. Cost Pressures: Increased tariffs on imported technology components can lead to higher costs, prompting enterprises to reassess their spending priorities.
  2. Strategic Shifts: To mitigate these costs, companies are exploring:
  • Reshoring manufacturing operations.
  • Investing in automation and AI to enhance efficiency.
  • Prioritizing cybersecurity to protect against evolving threats.

These strategic shifts reflect a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape.

Watch the Full Discussion

For a deeper understanding of how tariffs are influencing IT spending and enterprise strategies, watch the full episode of DisrupTV Episode 392 here.

Join the Conversation

As tariffs continue to shape the economic landscape, it's crucial for industry leaders to stay informed and agile. Engaging in discussions about these challenges and sharing insights can help businesses navigate the complexities of the current environment.