Channel partners lack the technological skills and solutions to effectively upgrade legacy IT networks in the wake of Covid-19 according to a sizeable section of the business community.
Research by Virgin Media Business Wholesale, undertaken through a channel lens, concludes that a third (33%) of senior IT managers view their channel partner relationships as transactional only; while 31% of organisations feel their channel supplier doesn’t have the knowledge or expertise to guide them through the current challenges.
Their lack of faith in ICT resellers highlights a communication and education gap between resellers and end users that is brought into a sharper focus following Covid-19. The gap is also an opportunity for the channel to get closer to customers and shine a light on their capabilities.
More than three-quarters of businesses have struggled to adapt to the outbreak due to legacy IT networks, yet only 23% see network upgrades as a top priority, with cost the main reason companies have failed to take action.
“These findings show that legacy networks are holding UK plc back," said Dale Parkinson, Sales Director, Virgin Media Business Wholesale.
"Inadequate infrastructure is preventing businesses from meeting challenges around remote working and omnichannel customer demand, and holding them back from embracing newer, more innovative technologies.
“The IT channel can play a critical role in ensuring organisations benefit from the lightning fast speeds, flexibility and agility provided by solutions like national high capacity services."
The research comes as Virgin Media Business Wholesale is making a multimillion-pound investment in its core network capabilities and widening access to its 10Gbps portfolio across the UK.