Online retailers are making plans to increase their technology budgets this year, according to Forrester Research’s 2011 Online Retail Technology Investment Outlook, which polled 63 U.S. e-tailers about their technology investment priorities for the year.
Integration with back-end systems for order management and accounting systems was the leading priority, up to 63.5% from 31.6% a year ago. More than half of the respondents are considering investment in mobile commerce, while another 24% plan to upgrade their e-commerce platforms in the next 18 months.
Site usability and design are another area of importance, with 70% of the e-tailers responding saying it will be an area of concern for 2011.
