Expert: IT infrastructure spending set to change

In the coming decades, IT infrastructure priorities are likely to shift radically, according to Steve Mills, head of systems business for IBM.

Speaking at the recent Pulse 2011 event, Mills predicted a shift away from traditional IT infrastructure in favor of business analytics. According to Mills, this change is likely to take place over the next two decades.

Companies previously invested in infrastructures for gathering business-critical data, but such data only becomes useful when a company has the necessary tools to break it down into actionable items, Mills told his audience.

"You can gather all the information you want, but until you’re able to federate it into discrete packets, it’s of no use," Mills said. "That’s why people are going to be shifting their money away from infrastructure, which they have a good handle on. Now it’s all about the analysis."

According to Mills, the ability to analyze more data leads to greater business efficiency and effectiveness.

Many companies utilize the services of a strategic technology consulting firm in deciding how to invest in IT infrastructure that will help achieve business goals.