SmallBusinessNewz

CompTIA is sharing the results of recent survey, which suggest that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are becoming more sophisticated in their technology purchases and are embracing solutions like software-as-a-service (SaaS) and managed services. The survey had over 400 SMBs in the U.S. respond.

About 30% of the businesses surveyed plan to implement SaaS solutions this year to lower costs and "maintain their competitive edge." According to CompTIA, that is up from 22% and 14% respectively in the two prior years.

The firm found that 30% of SMBs say they intend to implement managed services solutions in 2010. 42% of SMBs don't have a formal IT department, and rely on workers handling IT needs on a part-time basis.

"Between 70 percent and 80 percent of the SMBs we surveyed consider the usage of ERP, CRM and online e-commerce capabilities as strategic to their business," said Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. "IT solutions that are tied to instant return on investment in business communication and customer outreach efforts have the highest likelihood of adoption."

"Technology providers may be well advised to approach SMBs with either new IT solutions that represent low perceived risk or replacement solutions that positively impact productivity and efficiency," Herbert said. "There's also an opportunity to provide ongoing maintenance services to help SMBs better manage their IT systems under current business conditions."

The survey was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2009.