This archived TechRepublic Premium report, originally published in October 2016, is available for free to registered TechRepublic members. For all the latest research reports, 100+ ready-made policies, IT job descriptions, and more, check out TechRepublic Premium.

About the report:

For the calendar and fiscal year 2017, it looks like the majority of IT budgets are larger than last year. In an online survey conducted by TechRepublic Premium in July 2016, 61% of respondents said their company’s budget will increase. Most in that category said the increase would be small, between 1-10%, but that’s growth nonetheless.

Another important takeaway from this research is that, when creating their budget, companies are prioritizing the same issues as last year. Respondents said their top priorities are still improving efficiency and businesses processes, achieving network security, and increasing productivity through technology. Consequently, the top initiatives planned for the upcoming year are improving security, improving applications to better fit business processes, and improving the availability and performance of network infrastructure.

Other findings from this survey include the amount of tech spending that doesn’t come out of IT budgets, major IT challenges for the upcoming year, and how vendors can help companies with the budgetary process. To learn more, download the full report.