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.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - 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.