The vast majority of the UK’s 5.4 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are missing out on the benefits of cloud software due to a lack of understanding and awareness of modern technology, a new study suggests.
According to research carried out by software developer 9 Spokes, a large proportion of UK SMEs are interesting in exploring cloud-based apps and technology, yet more than half believe that they are too busy with other responsibilities to adequately assess exactly which apps are best suited to their business’ needs.
When asked to cite the main reasons their business had not embraced the cloud or appropriate business apps and software, SMEs said that they were concerned about the likes of compatibility, expense and poor usability.
Most businesses said that they did not have the time or the knowledge to comfortably explore cloud software, despite the fact that, of those businesses who do currently use cloud technology – such as online accounting and other business apps – almost all said that they had seen noticeable benefits.
Andy Birch, of 9 Spokes, said: “Both our research and our experience with our customers shows that those who do use cloud-based technology see significant benefits and that once they start, they continue to use these services in the long-term.
“It’s clear that while time is a huge problem, for those SMEs who can take the time to research and implement such solutions, the knock-on benefits are enormous.”