SMBs See Technology as Crucial, But ROI Uncertainties Remain

A new report from CompTIA, the association of IT industry, SMEs shows technology as a paramount factor in the business meeting, although some goals have mixed feelings about the return on their investment.

CompTIA SME surveyed for some 600 "The Business Relevance of IT in the SME market." Cybersecurity, data usage, and modernization of existing infrastructure and applications are key areas for improvement, which opens opportunities for Channel Partners with the right combination of technology, business, Industry to play a role in directing purchasing decisions by appropriately recommending their offers for SMB customers, CompTIA said.

"This highlights a major challenge: balancing the desire to embrace innovation with the realities of managing the business," said Tim Herbert, senior vice president of CompTIA's research and intelligence market.

Top SME targets for the coming year include: customer retention (50 percent); Expansion into new markets (48 per cent); Business process improvement (46 percent); Innovation (42 per cent); And the development of the workforce (34 percent).

One in three spend more than SMEs earns $ 100,000 a year, with less remaining expenses, according to the report. About 43 per cent said they invest less than they should be

While three out of five (60 percent) believe that SMEs their return on investment (ROI) in technology has been excellent or good, the other two (40 percent) classify it as "just OK" or disappointing. And the costs, the necessary updates and the built-in obsolescence, the staff time required to operate and maintain the initial costs, and complexity.

The sentiment on the ROI is accompanied by a caveat, CompTIA said. Only one in five SME reports using ROI calculators dedicated to assess the impact of their technology spending. Others rely on more generally casual or tools, or on "rough" estimates. Yet, it signals the need for technology providers to refine the return on investment from their discussions with customers.

"Because technology is to be deliverable Often positioned on what seems impossible, expectations can be detached from reality," Herbert Said. "This can be particularly problematic for small businesses who can not have a clear vision and strategy for how different components or technological solutions to solve a problem or business problem. More important role in the discussion of return on investment with customers by setting realistic expectations, identifying the indirect benefits of technology spending and providing big picture strategic and targeted direction, tactical expertise.