IT departments 'struggling with Web 2.0'

Senior executives have become aware of the potential business benefits of 'Web 2.0', but many IT departments often lack the resources and expertise to create more interactive web applications.

These are the findings of an Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey of over 400 senior execs on corporate adoption of Web 2.0.

79% of respondents saw Web 2.0 features such as blogs and social networks as a good way to increase revenues and reduce costs.  

However, despite this apparent enthusiasm for Web 2.0 services, the respondents expressed concern over their IT department's ability to deliver them, whether due to lack of expertise or lack of resources.

• 26% cited the competence level of their IT staff as the department’s weakest link.

• A lack of resources to invest in new technology was the biggest problem with IT departments for 37%.

Meanwhile, the EIU has also released its annual e-readiness rankings, which gauge how easy the internet is to access and use in 69 nations around the world.  

The spread of affordable broadband connections outside of Europe and North America has led to Asian and African countries narrowing the digital divide - the gap between the highest and lowest scoring countries dropped from 6.08 points to 5.80 points this year.

Denmark came first in the ratings, with the world's highest rate of internet penetration, mobile phone penetration, and the highest IT spending level per capita.The UK was number seven.

Further Reading:
The Economist Intelligence Unit 2007 e-readiness rankings

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