The focus of IT decision-makers next year will gradually shift to software rollouts and virtualization, among other areas, from the current challenges of security, business continuity and compliance, according to a new study by technology publisher CMP.

The study, “Media Engagement & Activation,” is based on Web interviews conducted during August and September with 800 business technology executives. It was designed to provide a deeper understanding of which emerging media are being used by decision-makers and what they are doing as a result of engaging with the various media sources. Read the complete article on BtoBOnline. For more information on this research, email Scott Vaughan.

IT and corporate titles surveyed included executive IT management; IT management and staff, and corporate management.

The top three immediate IT priorities of the respondents are: containing internal and external security threats; business continuity; and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, in the next six to 12 months the top three IT priorities will shift to PC/laptop hardware or software upgrades, enhancing Web services and unifying communications across voice, video and data networks, the study found.