smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Owner/managers of small firms are wasting valuable time dealing with everyday problems with their computer systems, according to a survey from JBS Computer Services.

In a poll of 50 senior managers of small firms, two-thirds said that time spent dealing with IT problems is leaving them with less time to concentrate on business strategy.

Money is also an issue, with less than 10% of respondents able to afford the luxury of a dedicated IT manager in-house. Almost 4 out of 10 managers lack the capital needed to fund large up-front investments in IT, while a third could not be sure that investment would justify the returns.

These problems suggest that small businesses need an alternative model of IT management to their larger counterparts. Rather than large initial investments, 9 out of 10 would prefer an ongoing low fixed payment, while three-quarters would consider having their IT systems run remotely by an outside provider.

Colin Boag, managing director of JBS, says, “At present, many small businesses are struggling to finance and manage heavy IT projects, which have not been designed with their needs in mind. Our survey shows that companies are fed up with traditional IT delivery and are ready to try some more resource-friendly alternatives.”

For more information on outsourcing services, check out our Web section in the Technology channel.

(19/8/03)

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