Home topics technology Credit: Alex Kotliarskyi Tech Tech CIOs embrace AI, but worry about app sprawl and talent gap Yajush Gupta February 5, 2024 The corporate landscape is witnessing an influx of new apps, yet the paramount focus is on consolidation and simplification. According to CIOs, the global market is experiencing an acceleration in the introduction of new applications, with 78% anticipating the adoption of 30-60 new apps in 2024. However, this surge in applications has led to a challenge for 88% of CIOs, as they grapple with application sprawl—the proliferation of individual applications in the workplace. The Harris Poll survey, commissioned by Canva, delves into how CIOs across nine countries, including Australia, are handling application sprawl and decision-making concerning workplace tools in the era of AI. Here are the key findings for Australian respondents: As the number of apps continues to rise, IT teams find themselves overwhelmed, emphasizing the growing importance of simplicity and user-friendly tools. The need for consolidation is spurred by stretched IT teams facing an exponential increase in apps to manage. A staggering 74% report insufficient staff to train employees on new apps, dedicating over half of their time to educating employees on new technologies. This leaves limited time for essential tasks such as planning, innovation, and other business-critical work. In response, 37% of CIOs express significant concern about the escalating complexity, driving their strategic plans to reduce it. A notable 58% are gearing up for some level of consolidation, with 23% eyeing substantial levels. While