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New Survey Shows Most Small Businesses to Invest in Communications Technology Within the Year
Avaya Small Business Survey Reveals 75 Percent of Respondents See Communications Technology as Critical to Their Business
| Source: Avaya Inc.
BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - June 3, 2009) - According to a new survey on small business
technology trends from Avaya Inc., most
small businesses in North America (59 percent) say they are investing in
communications technology right now, or plan to do so within the year.
The survey results reveal a small business environment that is still
interested in investing in communications technology, even during these
tough economic times, with 75 percent saying that communications technology
is critical to their business. Some key reasons cited: When it comes to
keeping employees as productive as possible, communications tools are the
top response (46 percent), followed by compensation and flexible work
schedules.
"Small businesses are different from big businesses, since they can have a
more flexible, entrepreneurial mind-set that can help them thrive, even in
current conditions," said Anthony Bartolo, general manager of Avaya's
Integrated Office Communications business unit. "But even though they are
planning to invest, many still need guidance on what communications
technologies are available to them -- and which ones can deliver the most
value."
Avaya is a leading global provider of business communications applications,
systems and services. The 2009 Avaya Small Business Survey, conducted
online through a third party (e-Rewards) in April 2009, provides thoughts
from North America small business professionals on a wide range of
economic, technology and communications trends.
Small Businesses Interested in Telecommuting & Mobility, Yet Most Not
Equipped for it
According to Avaya's small business survey, telecommuting and mobile
technologies are of interest to small organizations, with the majority (69
percent) saying they would let employees work from home, if it could be
done on a trial basis first. The most popular reasons for allowing small
business employees to work from home are to increase productivity (39
percent) and retain employees (35 percent).
However, most small businesses are not yet equipped to let employees work
from home or mobile locations. According to the survey, 66 percent of
respondents say that less than a quarter of their employees -- and in some
cases no employees -- are currently equipped to work away from the office.
"More small businesses are recognizing the productivity and motivational
benefits of letting employees work from home or on the road," added
Bartolo, "but many are not yet equipped to do so. They need to gain a
better understanding of how telecommuting and mobility capabilities can
deliver a competitive edge and open up a whole new range of possibilities.
Advanced IP and unified communications technologies are not just for big
business anymore."
Complete results of the Avaya small business survey are available.
About Avaya
Avaya offers small businesses a cost-effective way to implement advanced
communications capabilities with Avaya IP Office, the company's
flagship communications solution for small businesses. The solution enables
companies to start with an enterprise-class communications and customer
service operation, and easily migrate to advanced technologies.
Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company
provides unified communications, contact centers, and related services
directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and
organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya
for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration,
customer service, and competitiveness. For more information please visit
www.avaya.com.