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Half of IT Decision-makers are looking to deploy Unified Communications Solutions to Support Flexible Working

In contrast a lack of understanding, budgeting restraints and complex upgrades are hampering deployment

19 June 2008: Research conducted by a&o systems + services UK Ltd. has today revealed that demand for mobile and remote working has reached record levels, with 9 out 10 businesses expecting to mobilise more staff over the next year. Business environments today are seeing increasing numbers of mobile, field and home-based staff; a trend set to continue according to IDC, which suggest that there will be more than a billion mobile workers globally by 2011.

Despite positive findings that almost half of all IT decision-makers want to deploy Unified Communications solutions, a&o’s research found that just 19% plan to do so in the next 12-24 months due to a lack of understanding around the technology and the business benefits it can deliver.

• 35% of employees are currently equipped with technology to work away from the office
• 88% of companies will mobilise more staff during the next 12-24 months
• 31% of businesses have implemented Unified Communications; and another 46% would like to
• 38% cited lack of understanding of Unified Communications and its business benefits as the biggest barrier to implementation; followed by budget restrictions (22.5%), complexity of upgrading existing infrastructure and networks (16/9%); and lack of internal resources/skills (9.8%)

Overall the results highlighted that IT decision makers agreed that implementation of Unified Communications solutions do improve efficiency and can provide greater long-term cost-effectiveness. In addition, it can enable businesses to attract and retain a skilled and more diverse workforce and improve customer communications, which in turn could increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“Many UK companies have reached an impasse. They clearly recognise the imperative to develop new working practices to enhance business effectiveness and employee retention, but boards are worried that the business case for technology investment is unclear and that IT costs will run away with lack of visibility and control,” said Adrian Cooper, Business Development Director at a&o.

“Despite a third of businesses having deployed Unified Communications, the majority still believe it’s an immature technology and are waiting to see stronger evidence of where it can add business value.” added Cooper.

Business benefits

• Reduced operational expenditure on office accommodation and facilities-related costs
• Reduction in un-productive and costly business travel expenses
• Ability to attract and retain a more highly skilled and diverse workforce with reduced recruitment costs
• Enhanced job satisfaction and better staff morale leading to increased motivation and commitment
• Improved communication and collaboration with all stakeholders
• Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Improved competitiveness, due to the ability to react to changing market conditions more effectively.