Small Business Technology News

Study: SMBs Demanding Mobility And Cloud Based Applications

Written by Jenna Weiner
Published: 9/15/2011

SMBs are creating more mobile workplaces to enhance flexibilityfor employees. In order to remain productive will working remotely, companies are starting to implement unified communications.

A recent study from Fonality found small and medium-sized businesses are increasing their demands for mobility. In the State of the Market 2011 Report: Mobility Trends of SMBs, it was revealed that 50 percent of SMB employees are estimated to work outside the office at some point, with 25 percent of staff out at any given time.

Small Business Cloud Computing and Mobility

After surveying businesses with 10 to 250 employees, the study found 43 percent of SMBs plan to implement cloud-based or hosted mobile solutions to enhance their mobile workforce, and many will incorporate the use of tablet computers into their business models. In addition, a major complaint for SMBs is a loss of productivity due to difficulty accessing critical business applications in remote locations. By adopting a unified communications network, companies would save time and money by providing the same communications experience inside and outside the office.

Wes Durow, chief marketing officer for Fonality, said mobile workforces are being stifled by old technologies. Cloud-based unified communications can fully enable remote workers and help businesses remain competitive.

In an interview with CRN, Jessica Efta, market development manager at AMI-Partners, said many SMBs will start with a focused cloud application or service deployment until they become comfortable with the technology. After finding success with their initial cloud solutions, companies will then expand the network to its full potential. Efta added that companies have found great success with cloud-based sales rep training activities and dedicated cloud solutions support.

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