The internet offers any business the opportunity to present a commercial image independent of the organization's size and location. Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) across the UK have exploited the internet as it has evolved from an interesting medium for the technology-aware to an essential commercial platform. With this increasing importance, and the internet’s ability to extend the reach of a business, it is valuable to realize precisely what different internet service providers (ISPs) offer before buying. This includes evaluating service level and support capabilities and understanding how these vary throughout the UK.
QUOCIRCA INSIGHT REPORT November 2008
Soaring across the regionsA view of the impact of the internet on business
The internet offers any business the opportunity to present a commercial image independent of the organi-Contacts: sation's size and location. Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) across the UK have exploited the internet as it has evolved from an interesting medium for the technology-aware to an essential commercial Rob Bamforth platform. With this increasing importance, and the internet's ability to extend the reach of a business, it Quocirca Ltd is valuable to realise precisely what different internet service providers (ISPs) offer before buying. This Tel +44 1962 849746 includes evaluating service level and support capabilities and understanding how these vary throughout rob.bamforth@quocirca.com the UK. Bob TarzeyQuocirca Ltd . Across the UK, SMBs have embraced the internetTel +44 1753 855794 Widely accepted as a fundamental business tool, the internet has moved far from its academic roots. While many companies in some of the more traditionally industrialised regions have gone online bob.tarzey@quocirca.com more recently, other regions with more rural expanses show a significant strategic commitment to Linda Harris the internet.Easynet Connect . New services and applications are playing a significant roleTel +44 20 7032 4031 Internet communications not only extend the reach for remote areas, many new applications also per-linda.harris@uk.easynet.net mit those based in locations where transport routes are congested to switch from physical travel to digital. This includes web and video conferencing, but also the use of e-commerce platforms to interact with suppliers, customers and partners.. Internet connectivity has become vital for many, with reliability being an important issueWhile around a quarter of companies in most regions could cope for no more than an hour with no internet connection, there are a couple of regions where many companies still believe they can manage for over a day without it. Companies in most areas expect good service levels and look to providers with reliable reputations and business level support, but a significant number report connection per-formance dropping below what they would expect.. Consumer applications have an impact in the workplaceCompanies across the UK are noticing personal internet usage by employees, often for domestic chores Research Note: and general access, but also for social networking and instant messaging. In the main, a pragmatic view is taken with policies that allow use during lunchtime and outside working hours, but many have put in The information presented in place access control and site/content monitoring technologies to keep personal internet use in check.this report is based on a sur-vey of 345 organisations in . Despite any personal use concerns, working from home is being encouragedthe UK. It was completed in Home working provides business as well as personal flexibility and seems to be more pronounced April 2008. in areas where transport links are congested, and competition for staff is highest. Mobile phones and laptops are the main tools provided to support home workers, although in some regions employees are Those surveyed were from supplied with broadband connections and data cards paid for by the business.small and medium sized UK businesses, specifically . There is a simplistic view of the internet connectivity options availableorganisations with between Knowledge about the differences in the range of options from ISPs is patchy. Despite companies in 10 and 250 employees. some regions suggesting there is no problem with the level of jargon in the industry, many in these same places struggle with their comprehension of internet service-related technical terms. This lack Quocirca would like to thank of understanding will have a business impact and affects the commercial relationship between ISP all the respondents to the and SMB.survey and thank Easynet Connect for sponsoring this CONCLUSION: Now British SMBs have embraced the internet and rely upon it for increasingly sophis-research. ticated services, it becomes even more important to understand the different offers from providers and look beyond price to added value and regional support. This also places an onus on the ISPs themselves to differentiate their product options to demonstrate most clearly the benefits and business impac... [download for more]
