14 Nov 2008

'Demand for communication' among smaller firms

More firms are adopting the latest communications technology in an effort to keep above the competition in the market place, an expert has suggested.

Gareth Limpenny, chief executive of Jelly Communications, has commented on why an increasing number of smaller businesses are using BlackBerry or other smartphone devices within their operations.

As well as helping firms which lack a sufficient amount of IT expertise, he said the technology can help firms stay in touch with their customers during "dead time" in a typical working day.

Many companies might consider smartphone devices as part of their approach to improving their business continuity or customer relationship management.

Indeed, a recent study by Nuclear Research has shown that 74 per cent of smartphone owners use them for work-related internet access.

Some 70 per cent said they used them to access customer relationship management, while 65 per cent use business intelligence applications on the move.

Mr Limpenny said: "This ultimately means you are going to be more competitive and customer focused."