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New Technology Crucial to Small, Medium-Size Businesses"
DALLAS -- Up-to-date technology is "crucial" to small and medium-size businesses, according to a Hewlett-Packard sponsored study released today. "Almost every senior business executive in the United States agrees that up-to-date information technologies, such as computers, are a more valuable asset today than ever," the survey found. "For most small businesses to survive in today's economic conditions, they need to be technologically on a par with, if not superior to, larger corporations."A key survey finding revealed that 85% of small and mediuim-size business (SMB) decision makers depend on "reliable locally-based expert service and support for computers, printers, and copiers to minimize downtime and ensure productivity.""The survey indicated the larger the SMB the stronger its relationship was with a local solution provider in terms of service and support," said ITSPA President Russell Morgan. Eighty percent of senior SMB decision makers at companies with 50 or more employees strongly agreed that reliable service and support provided by locally based solution providers are important."Fully 74% of SMB decision makers prefer a local service provider instead of shipping equipment in need of repairs to a service center not based in their community, according to the survey."In-house IT staffs play an important role in terms of regular equipment maintenance," Morgan said, "but local solution providers are preferred when it comes to installing and configuring new technology such as PCs, desktop computers, servers and mobile networks."SMB spending on new technology and computer systems should increase significantly next year, according to the study, which was conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland. Some 44% of SMBs say they will spend up to 10% more on new technology, while another 17% will spend as much as 20% more than they did this year.""ITSPA expects a lot of SMB technology growth in wireless computing," Morgan said. "SMB decision makers who need to stay in touch when outside the office understand that adopting mobile and wireless network technology will result in potential cost savings and increased employee productivity."Key survey findings include:Business prospects better for next year, hires are much more likely to increase more at businesses with over 50 employees; 69% of SMB decision makers (and 62% overall) indicate business will be better in 2005 than in 2004.49% are likely to hire and retain new employees based somewhere in the United States in the next year.96% of SMB decision makers believe new information technologies, such as computers, are a more valuable asset than ever, and 79% said key technology advancements such as mobility and security solutions need to be tracked to remain competitive.44% indicate technology spending will increase between 1% and 10% in the next year.85% agree that they depend on "reliable service and support for computers, printers, and copiers provided by locally based experts."57% have their in-house staffs conduct regular maintenance on computer equipment; 41% indicate in-house staffs research and purchase new computer equipment.74% prefer local service providers instead of shipping equipment in need of repair to a service center.SMBs have no "typical" way of purchasing computers, printers and other high-tech equipment; 33% purchase such equipment from a retail outlet or office supply store; 22% buy online from manufacturers; 16% prefer online purchases through a retailer or discounter; 16% order products by phone; and 4% use eBay and similar Web sites.67% either work outside the office or have key staff members who do; 77% said mobility is important when working outside the office.89% believe it is important to buy systems that can be easily and cost-effectively expanded or scaled back to meet changing needs.The Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping small and medium companies adopt technology and grow by using local solution providers to solve business problems.Visit the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance: www.itspa.net"