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International study shows: companies underestimate the lead time and complexity of digital transformation projects

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Companies under pressure: Organizational adjustments are the main driver of IT transformations worldwide (36%). Sustainability is a key transformation motive for only 15%.During the transformation process, companies particularly underestimate communication between departments and divisions (39%) and the adequate provision of resources (30%).German companies are in third place when it comes to preparing their IT for the integration of future-oriented technologies (e.g. AI). Pioneers are Switzerland (47%) and the USA (43%).

BIELEFELD, Germany and Walldorf, Germany, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Technological progress, new consumer habits and global developments are forcing companies to constantly adapt their IT systems. The fact that such projects are usually more complex and time-consuming than expected is demonstrated by the latest figures from the International Transformation Study 2024, which is conducted annually by  the internationally operating SAP© consulting company NTT DATA Business Solutions AG together with IT service provider Natuvion GmbH. The study provides descriptive insights into the IT transformation practices of companies with the aim of providing managers with a compass for future projects. More than 1,200 CEOs, CIOs and IT decision-makers from a total of 15 countries were surveyed on ongoing or completed transformation projects.

 

 

Pressure to adapt to technology is increasing worldwide

Technological developments and the pressure on the economy to adapt are putting companies under pressure. At 36%, companies cite organizational adjustments (restructuring) as the most common reason for an IT transformation. In the automotive industry, which is undergoing a massive upheaval due to the switch to electromobility in particular, restructuring even tops the list of motives for transformation at 48%. The booming life sciences sector is doing similarly. Here, too, organizational adjustments came first with 38%.

Immediately after this, respondents across all participating countries chose the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence as the second most common transformation motive with 27%. In a comparison of countries, Switzerland and the USA lead the table of pioneers with 47% and 43% respectively. German companies are in third place: 37% of them stated that they had started their IT transformation in order to introduce modern technologies such as AI.

 

Growing demand for transformation expertise

A key finding of the Transformation Study 2024 is that companies often underestimate the challenges of their IT transformation – above all the organization of communication between departments and divisions (39%) during the process. The lack of existing transformation knowledge in companies (33%) and the difficulty of conducting a detailed analysis of the existing IT landscape and data (29%) are also particularly striking. In direct comparison to the previous year, the number of those who identified a lack of transformation expertise in their own company even increased by 5%. More than a third of all respondents therefore rated the option of engaging external consultants at an early stage and thus closing the existing skills gap as the second most important organizational measure for the successful implementation of their transformation project.

“The study clearly shows that a lack of expertise and a shortage of skilled workers are the main factors slowing down the transformation of companies. However, innovative and efficient IT is crucial in order to remain competitive,” explains Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions AG and EVP of NTT DATA, Inc. “The strategic management of transformation projects is therefore becoming increasingly relevant for companies worldwide. We involve managers and employees in the change process at an early stage and use our 35 years of expertise to ensure that our customers achieve their transformation goals on time and within budget.”

 

More data protection and cloud applications

For around a quarter of respondents, the integration of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence is already the primary reason for their IT transformation. If we restrict the range of respondents to representatives of top management, it becomes clear that data protection was rated even more important than AI. A full 44% of board members and managing directors state that data protection was a particularly important driver of their transformation.

The trend of moving applications to cloud platforms also continues unabated. Around 56% of companies state that they are using more cloud services as part of their transformation. In all countries surveyed, greater flexibility and faster customization options are the main reasons for cloud use (39%). Other reasons for increased cloud use include the acceleration of business processes (38%) and, once again, faster and easier access to technical innovations such as automation (37%). Better scalability (16%) and greater data security (13%) are also of key importance for cloud use.

Patrick Dahse, Managing Director of Natuvion GmbH, which has been part of NTT DATA Business Solutions since August 2022, emphasizes the central importance of data quality for transformation projects: “Good data has always been the basis and fuel for innovative processes and in the age of AI, its importance continues to increase. The study results confirm this and show that Only those who keep their data in the appropriate quality, harmonized and centrally available will be able to make optimal use of the blessings of technical developments in the future.”

The full results of the “Transformation Study 2024” can be found here.

 

About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider with a focus on SAP and a powerful partner network. With more than 35 years of experience, we support companies worldwide on their way to the Intelligent Enterprise. We deliver end-to-end solutions that sustainably accelerate growth and success – from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and use the latest technologies to advise our customers individually and across industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries are at work every day.

NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA. Headquartered in Tokyo, the trusted global business and technology leader generates revenues of over 30 billion US dollars. As One NTT DATA, we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and help our clients innovate, optimize and transform processes for their long-term success. NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group.

 

About Natuvion

Natuvion is a digital relocation company. Natuvion moves business-critical data and processes from one technological platform to another! The Natuvion experts are always called upon when medium-sized and large companies want to modernize, optimize, separate, merge or rebuild their IT systems! This exclusive expertise in technical transformation enables Natuvion customers to always use their data and processes on the most modern and innovative technologies. As Inc. 5000 and FT 1000, the Natuvion Group has been one of the most dynamically growing software and IT consulting companies in Europe for 4 consecutive years.

Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions

Jasmin Straeter

Head of Global Communications

NTT DATA Business Solutions AG

Königsbreede 1, 33605 Bielefeld, Germany

T: +49 521 9 14 48 108

E-Mail: Jasmin.Straeter@nttdata.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2444117/NTT_DATA_Business_Solutions_1.jpg

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

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SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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