A recent Forrester survey of over 250 small and medium-sized businesses worldwide reveals that Microsoft 365 Copilot is proving valuable for organizations that use the right Microsoft 365 SKUs, which cost an additional $30 per user per month. The report indicates that early adopters are seeing significant benefits, including a 6 percent increase in revenue and a 20 percent decrease in employee attrition. Additionally, over half of the respondents reported a potential reduction in supply chain costs by up to 10 percent, and nearly three-quarters experienced improvements in employee satisfaction.
A recent Gartner survey reveals that only 48% of digital initiatives across enterprises meet or exceed their business outcome targets. The survey, which included responses from over 3,100 CIOs and technology executives, identifies a group known as the “Digital Vanguard,” where 71% of their digital initiatives succeed. These leaders actively co-own digital delivery with their CIOs and dedicate significant resources to technology projects. Gartner’s 2025 survey also shows that over 80% of CIOs plan to increase investments in foundational technologies like cybersecurity and AI next year, while 43% aim to reduce spending on legacy systems. However, only 16% of CIOs prioritize building a technology workforce beyond IT, potentially hindering digital success across organizations.
Why do we care?
I was intrigued to see the Forrester survey showing results with Copilot, where previous reporting in the Information has shown organizations struggling to get returns. A simple analysis is that we don’t have enough insights, or that this is inconsistent.
I paired that with the Gartner data to highlight a key element – those who actively measure and manage those projects have higher results.
The Forrester and Gartner data reinforce the idea that the real advantage in digital transformation lies in measurement and active management. It’s not enough to deploy tech; organizations need clear, data-backed methods to track effectiveness and refine their approach.
Sure, obvious when you say it, but it’s the key value or services organizations. You don’t just sell a solution, you measure it’s effectiveness.