SLED Perspectives From the Public Sector Team
New beginnings allow us to reflect on recent marketplace challenges and achievements, and then turn our attention to a new fiscal year and chart a smarter course for success as we move ahead. We’re excited to work with you to ensure that your customers are equipped to manage ongoing COVID-19 effects, positioned to access current federal government funding and able to address local and state priorities like security, analytics and app modernization.
Last year, we saw improvements in how individuals, governments and organizations are dealing with COVID-19, yet there were still obstacles in handling this crisis. We experienced a somewhat more normalized summer and fall but again, like last year, cases are beginning to spike again. Organizations that put technology infrastructure in place to assist with distance learning and working early in the pandemic have been able to snap back to those models when needed.
We also continue to see an increase in cyber threats as bad actors identify and exploit new vulnerabilities. In recent months, experts have identified new and significant vulnerabilities that have the potential to affect most connected devices – from doorbells and thermostats to more traditional mobile devices and laptops. The Log4j vulnerability could impact hundreds of millions of devices in the United States alone. Fortunately, as of this writing, there have been no reports of widespread attacks.
But enough about last year – let’s look ahead to what will define 2022 as a successful year in the technology channel! The market opportunity and landscape continue to be target-rich environments for partners and end users who choose to invest in solutions and vertical markets federal stimulus dollars can be used. We’ll see a continuation of the American Rescue Plan funding in 2022, and with the recently passed infrastructure bill, there will be an additional $1.2 trillion available, beginning midyear 2022. On top of that, the Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan will bring more opportunities if Congress and the Senate can secure the final votes needed for passage. There’ll be a huge investment in broadband to offer connectivity in unserved or under-served communities, plus large investments to secure utility infrastructure and improve the transportation systems around the county.
In many cases, we’ll see a continued focus on the top state and local priorities from 2021 with cybersecurity likely topping the list again. The need to modernize applications to deliver services is still in hyper-growth stage and will be another hot area in 2022. Look for many of these same areas of focus and investment in the new year.
As you finalize on your CY22 plan, think critically about how your services and solutions align to the core funding and vertical market segments. Also, consider building or expanding your contract umbrella to ensure that you have the right procurement vehicles in place to facilitate business. Tech Data is here to help you access one or more of the SLED-based contracts we hold as prime. These contracts are available to our resellers as part of our expanded SLED team and set of offerings.
