While traveling across North America in recent weeks, I've heard about the same two-part trend from multiple sources: Some small businesses are reducing their IT service contracts and delaying outsourcing decisions. But on the flip-side, mid-size businesses are accelerating their move to managed services . These trends are pretty easy to explain. Consider this: 18 percent of small-business owners in October said they were at risk of going out of business because of economic conditions, up from 9 percent in August, according to an American Express survey involving 602 businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Even worse: 79 percent of small-business owners said sales are decreasing. About two-thirds of the respondents said the tightening of credit has affected their business. 51 percent said they have had to tap personal assets in order to pay business expenses. With those concerns in mind, it's increasingly difficult for small business owners to focus on their IT strategies. The...
Digital Business Transformation Journal