31 Oct 2008

Hosted services 'playing an increasing role in global enterprise'

Small businesses across the world are increasingly opting to use hosted internet services, a new study has found.

Research by Microsoft found that more than one in three companies surveyed have seen expansion in the last year, while a similar proportion have remained steady.

This was said to be partly due to the greater take-up of hosted services, which Microsoft stated reduces the reliance on IT skills within the business.

The organisation added that these systems also offer excellent security protection, therefore enabling businesses to focus on other business priorities.

John Zanni, spokesperson for Microsoft, commented: "Despite their varying businesses and greatly differing needs, many small businesses are becoming increasingly dependent on information technology and the internet for networking, communications and sales."

He added that the fact many smaller enterprises are thinking of using hosted services to meet their IT needs shows they are becoming increasingly "web savvy".

This comes shortly after Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft's business division, said recent technological innovations can free up IT staff to focus on more valuable activities.