Sungard AS research shows Irelands reliance on digitisation

A new study of 500 Irish consumers by Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS) reveals more than one in ten (16 percent) would sacrifice spending the festive season with family or friends to ensure all the online services they currently use remain constantly available.

The figures rise to nearly one in five (18 percent) amongst 45-55-year-olds demonstrating the nation’s reliance on digital availability in 2020.

Sungard AS: Irelands reliance on digital technology 

With restrictions for the festive period still to be determined, findings from the new study highlight that Irish households expect to be most reliant on online entertainment streaming (30 percent), online retailers (23 percent), and online grocery deliveries (14 percent) over the holiday period.

And aside from giving up time with friends and family, 15 percent would be willing to sacrifice a day’s wages (rising to 19 percent amongst men, and 22 percent amongst 16-24-year-olds). Over two in five (42 percent) would give up a month’s worth of chocolate consumption.

With digital availability having a huge impact on both human relationships and mental wellbeing for consumers in 2020, the study also sheds light on the consequences of accessibility suddenly being removed:

– Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents believe their mental wellbeing would suffer if they were left unable to access online services over the holidays for 48 hours

– Nearly a third (30 percent) started a relationship with a partner would suffer if they were left unable to access online services for 48 hours, with 15 percent admitting this would suffer in less than six hours

– In 8 percent of cases, mental wellbeing would suffer under such circumstances in less than an hour, rising to 19 percent amongst 16-24-year-olds

As many businesses continue to struggle and look to online offerings to make the most of what is usually a golden quarter, results from the study showed ‘access to services whenever I need them’ charts as a top consideration for future purchases amongst consumers in nearly a half of cases (48 percent).

Tolerance of downtime is low too, with over half (53 percent) of respondents stating they would switch provider after only two days if left unable to access a service.

“After an uncertain year for Irish-based businesses, availability must be a top priority this festive season,” comments Noel O’Grady, Director of Sales, Ireland at Sungard Availability Services.

“We’ve become immensely reliant on technology to help us live, socialise, and work in 2020. With a lack of clarity around what restrictions will be in place in the final weeks of the year, companies must ensure they can deliver the exceptional online services consumers have come to know and trust.

It’s the only way they’ll remain competitive this December, and keep loyal customers coming back for more in the new year.”

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