The State of Microsoft-Powered IT

IT transformation is well underway. What comes next?

Cloud, AI and Microsoft technologies continue to shape the future of IT. But for many organizations, the next phase isn't simply about adopting more technology. It's about making the technology already in place deliver more value while navigating complexity, legacy dependencies, budget constraints and competing priorities.

The State of Microsoft-Powered IT explores where IT leaders are focusing next, what stands in their way and what they expect technology investments to deliver.

Based on a survey of 100 IT and procurement decision-makers, the report examines:

• Transformation maturity: How far organizations have progressed in their cloud and technology transformation
• Technology priorities: Where leaders expect to focus over the next 6–12 months
• IT challenges: The areas of technology environments that are hardest to manage
• Investment obstacles: What's slowing down IT initiatives
• Expected outcomes: What leaders need technology investments to deliver
• Investment direction: Where organizations expect to increase investment over the next 12 months

Where does IT go from here?

The research points to a shift from transformation for transformation's sake toward value, efficiency and measurable business outcomes. Technology value and optimization ranks as the top near-term priority, while AI, Microsoft Copilot and data initiatives lead areas where organizations expect to increase investment. Read the full report to explore the findings and see how today's IT leaders are thinking about the next phase of technology transformation.

About the research

Gatepoint Research conducted the survey between July and August 2026. The research includes responses from 100 IT and procurement decision-makers, including CxOs, vice presidents, directors and senior procurement and sourcing leaders.