LogMeIn Launches Benchmark Survey on SMBs in US and UK

LogMeIn has launched “SMB IT Pulse (News - Alert),” a benchmark survey that looks at the vitality of small and medium businesses (SMBs), the relationship between IT and non-IT managers, and the overall attitude toward technology. LogMeIn (News - Alert) provides remote connectivity solutions for small and medium businesses.

The new benchmark survey of 500 SMBs in the U.S. and U.K. was conducted in the third quarter of 2009 by independent research firm Kelton Research on behalf of LogMeIn. The survey reveals the evolving IT priorities and attitudes of SMBs. For example, the study found out that IT is a strategic enabler, since 96 percent of IT managers reported that their department is viewed as a strategic part of the business. Similarly, 57 percent of non-IT managers rate the quality of internal IT services provided as above average to excellent.

Another finding from the survey is that IT is not just for business devices anymore, as 68 percent of IT managers say their departments provide technical support for personal devices like smartphones and computers. Moreover, 61 percent of non-IT managers report that some of the computers they use for work purposes are their own. The number is higher in the case of smartphones they use for work which stands at 68 percent.

 

The SMB IT Pulse survey has revealed that SMBs are going mobile since 63 percent of non-IT managers and 71 percent of IT managers say remote access services make their staff more productive. In addition, it was also found out that 23 percent of SMB employees work off-site at least once a week and about 12 percent of them work virtually.

 

In a release, Andrew Burton, vice president of products at LogMeIn, Inc., the first SMB IT Pulse survey indicates that information technology is not only a requirement for SMBs, it's a strategic enabler. Whether end users are remaining productive while outside the office through remote access technologies or IT departments are expanding their support for consumer devices, business managers and IT providers are working together to make their organizations more productive and competitive.

 

Despite the state of the global economy, the LogMeIn SMB IT Pulse found out that 32 percent of managers surveyed report that revenue has increased in the past year. Moreover, 64 percent of SMBs have stated that revenue growth takes priority over cost cutting. Another fact revealed by the survey is that 30 percent of IT managers find explaining technical terms or programs the most difficult part about working with non-IT. Conversely, 28 percent of non-IT managers felt turnaround time to be the most difficult part about working with their IT staff.