IT important to SMEs 'the world over'

Information Technology (IT) is becoming an increasingly important consideration for small firms across the globe if they are to retain a competitive edge in the face of larger competition and secure positive growth in the future.

The Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP) maintains that a good grasp of IT is key for the future success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the world over, especially considering the fact that these smaller companies represent the vast majority of all businesses.

According to the APDIP, many of these businesses have been slow to adopt IT due to a number of reasons. These include ineffective telecommunications infrastructure, a low level of IT literacy and the expense of up-to-date IT equipment.

However, with benefits such as better communication with customers, faster working and increased productivity on the table pressure is mounting for small business owners to embrace IT and integrate effective IT solutions.

In addition, it is also argued that small firms can benefit as producers as well as users of it, as demand for IT services continues to grow.

It is reported that small firms are deterred from outsourcing IT due to the relatively high costs of doing so, instead opting to keep IT in-house, according to Datamonitor.

© Adfero Ltd

17 Aug 2007 13:52:40 (Source: Adfero)