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IT Leaders Confront M&A Activities and Cloud Migration Challenges

In the evolving landscape of technology, the pressures associated with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are dramatically reshaping the approach to IT strategy. According to a recent survey conducted by ShareGate, part of Workleap, a striking 80% of IT professionals reported being involved in or planning an M&A event in the next 12 to 24 months. This increased activity is heralded as one of the pivotal catalysts for significant IT transformations in 2025, particularly concerning cloud migrations and AI implementation.

The survey, which encompassed 650 IT professionals across North America and Europe, highlighted that while organizations rush to adopt Microsoft 365 and undergo transitions to the cloud, security and compliance remain pressing concerns. Many IT departments are grappling with the dual challenges of evolving security requirements and the imperative to integrate AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot.

Key Findings of the Survey

Survey results shed light on crucial issues faced by IT leaders during this period of change:

1. Drive Toward Migration: Among the IT professionals surveyed, a noteworthy 80% stated that their organizations are planning or executing M&A projects. Security and compliance are at the forefront of migration concerns, underscoring the complexity of securely handling data integration.
2. Security as a Migration Catalyst: About 64% of respondents pointed to the necessity of security improvements as a primary motive behind their shift to Microsoft 365. This trend reveals that security concerns are not just hurdles but are also significant motivators for organizations to update their digital frameworks.
3. Early Tool Selection: Interestingly, 55% of respondents indicated that they choose their migration solutions before initiating an M&A process. This early selection presents a critical opportunity, yet it often coincides with overlooked integration risks, signaling a gap in strategic planning during crucial transitions.
4. IT-Driven AI Adoption: When questioned about the driving forces behind the adoption of technologies like Microsoft Copilot, 42% attributed this task to IT operations and infrastructure teams, whereas 38% linked it to security and compliance sectors.
5. Barriers to AI Scalability: Although 62% reported having implemented Microsoft Copilot, obstacles like data quality, retention, and access controls emerged as the leading challenges to expanding its utilization.

Security Challenges During M&A Transitions

As businesses look to modernize their operations through cloud migration and AI adoption, the role of security cannot be overstated. Richard Harbridge, a Microsoft MVP and ShareGate Champion, notes that mergers often necessitate swift data integration plans. The urgency of M&A events can lead organizations to overlook the critical nature of their migrations—an oversight that could jeopardize future operational readiness.

The findings emphasize that IT teams are not merely passively adapting but are essential leaders in managing these transitions. Effectively addressing security, governance, and compliance becomes paramount throughout transformation processes, especially in M&A scenarios.

An Opportunity for Improvement

The results from ShareGate's survey reveal a significant yet often underappreciated potential for organizations navigating M&As to solidify their IT foundations. By treating migrations as opportunities rather than mere requirements, companies can improve their security governance, streamline automation processes, and foster secure collaboration environments. As the landscape shifts towards AI-driven operations, the lessons learned during these transitions will be instrumental in shaping resilient IT strategies for the future.

To explore how ShareGate can facilitate smoother migrations and management for your organization, visit www.sharegate.com. With a robust suite of tools designed to support over 100,000 IT professionals in managing Microsoft 365, ShareGate aims to simplify the complexities of today's cloud transitions.

This survey was conducted amongst IT professionals across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, and France, all holding decision-making roles within organizations with 100 or more employees.