Small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not
capitalising on the potential of projects undertaken to converge
their voice and data onto a single network, according to research
from BT Business.
The survey shows that convergence is clearly taking off, with
over a third of UK SMEs having already moved to a single
communications network, and a further quarter expecting to make the
switch in the next two years. But it also identifies a lack of
planning, along with confusion around the technology involved,
which means the majority of businesses that have migrated to a
converged network are failing to realise the potential or
articulate the true value of their investment.
Whilst the biggest driver of convergence was the potential for
cost savings (79%), an alarming three-quarters of companies did not
build a business case to measure return on investment (ROI). As a
result, three in five could not indicate results against their
expectations.
In response to these findings BT Business has launched
Understanding Convergence, the first in a series of free guides
that aim to de-mystify key technology issues and help businesses
understand how to get the most from their IT and communications
systems.
Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business, says, "As many of
our customers would testify, effective planning and deployment of
converged technologies can really transform an organisation, making
it measurably more productive, agile and competitive.
“The fact that convergence is so high on the SME agenda, but
with many indicating a failure in planning and understanding ROI,
clearly points to a requirement for education and support.
“Convergence is a huge opportunity for UK businesses, but to
maximise the potential of moving to a single communications
infrastructure, businesses of all sizes need practical
guidance."
To order a free copy of the guide visit:
www.bt.com/business/convergence