There is a revolution happening with the rise of social, mobile, and cloud computing, the blurring lines between business and personal, and the proliferation of connected devices. This ‘consumerization of IT’ is forcing radical change on businesses (and governments), which are in turn forcing radical change on IT.

This is clear from a fascinating new research study conducted by IDC , released  by CA Technologies, into how the consumerization of IT is affecting business, and how IT is changing to accommodate this change.

And guess what …

It’s all about you!

Consider how you are driving demand for online technology.

This new IDC research shows that the majority of connected consumers (like you) regularly use e-mail, manage finances, pay bills, shop, use instant messaging, log into social websites, watch videos, download applications, and view photos - all online. Perhaps you also buy insurance, manage investments, video or voice chat, tweet, read the newspaper, book travel, check-in to your flights, and more - all online.

IDC’s data suggest you are probably sharing information too, not just consuming it. On social media alone, almost a third of consumers generate their own posts every day, and nearly three-quarters do so at least once a week. Over 60% of you are sharing photos, over half are sharing updates, and almost a third are sharing your location. Somewhat alarmingly, however, up to 80% are exposing personal information like credit card numbers, birthdays, location, finances, and more.

It’s also about your devices

Now consider how you are accessing online technology.

Consumers like you are connecting through an ever-expanding array of devices and platforms.

Consumers like you are connecting through an ever-expanding array of devices and platforms. IDC found that 80% of consumers regularly access the Internet with a smartphone (just 10% less than via a laptop), generating over one fifth of online transactions. Another 36% access the Internet with a tablet, driving almost 10% of online transactions. Then there are other connected devices like set-top boxes, gaming consoles, smart TVs, VOIP devices, and more.

This is in addition the expanding list of connected business devices, like elevators, electricity meters, check-in desks, information kiosks, ATM/POS units, railway switches, traffic lights, environmental controls, medical devices, cash registers, cooking equipment, doorway sensors, and more.

To read the bottom line, click here.