London - New research released today reveals that 77 percent of Small and Medium-sized businesses (SMEs) plan to upgrade to Windows 8, with 1 in 10 planning to upgrade as soon as the operating software (OS) is available, attracted by the software’s ability to work across devices.
The research was conducted by Staples UK on 1000 small business owners across different sectors. Among those planning to upgrade to Windows 8, SMEs are most excited about the easier integration between tablet, phone and computer (24%) the OS offers. SMEs also see increases in reliability (51%), speed (47%) and security (40%) as the top three benefits Windows 8 will bring to their businesses.
The research, conducted by Staples UK on 1000 small business owners across different sectors, revealed this despite only 1 in 10 (12%) currently using cloud computing. Of the SMEs currently using cloud computing, a significant percentage (60%) are using it to build a more remote workforce, with a third of SMEs (31%) placing a particular emphasis on helping employees establish a better work/life balance. A quarter (26%), are even using cloud computing to reduce their carbon footprint, whilst 14 percent use it to support global operations.
The SMEs surveyed also revealed the cost-saving benefits of cloud computing, because no outlay is required to purchase hardware and software licenses (19%), or to maintain a server (15%).
The research also showed the rising importance of tablets within SMEs, with 24 percent revealing that tablets are the one device they could not operate without, second only to laptops (29%). Both devices are seen as more important than a blackberry or smartphone (20%).
Amee Chande, managing director, UK Retail and Direct at Staples, said: “Our research shows that SMEs are looking for ways to maximise their outputs, streamline working processes and support their employees as they adapt to a changing working environment. Staples is making it easy for businesses to take advantage of Windows 8 with expert technology advice available in store, and our great Windows 8 upgrade offer.”
