SMEs look to broadband providers as IT security partners: Ipsos MORI findings

Massive virus infections of London hospital computers have catapulted IT security back into the headlines in the past few weeks. It's a jolt to the system for businesses that have recently had their minds fixed - quite understandably - on guarding their financial vulnerabilities rather than the health of their PCs.

But now that the danger signal's flashing, just where is a small or medium-size business going to start looking for an IT security partner they can trust - and quickly? According to the evidence of a recent Ipsos MORI survey, more than 50% will be heading straight for their current broadband provider.

It's one of the key findings of a study of the UK business broadband marketplace, commissioned by BT Wholesale*. Talking to the IT decision-makers of 300+ companies, this focused both on what drives companies to switch providers and on what actions providers can take to nurture customer loyalty - and boost customer spend.

Expanding your portfolio with enterprise-quality IT security add-ons could be the clincher. Thirty four per cent of the businesses surveyed said they would consider buying extra anti-virus scanning and filtering solutions on top of their broadband. Firewalls were in the shopping basket for another 24%. And there was a strong interest in being able to take a one-stop approach to getting computer equipment, web hosting, domain name registration, email security management and remote data storage too.

Sourcing and delivering what your customers are looking for is simple with the help of BT Wholesale. We can offer a wide range of competitively priced managed services - including hardware from leading manufacturers - to limit your customers' IT risks, protect their livelihoods and reputations - and grow your revenues. And many are available to order online for delivery within 24 hours, meaning that's no inventory management task for you to think about either.

* Broadband Churn in the SME Market: a market survey commissioned by BT Wholesale from Ipsos MORI (September 2008).

GET MORE >

Want to see how you could be attracting fresh sales with IT security? Go to www.ecatalogue.bt.com and choose Firewalls from the menu under the Miscellaneous tab for ideas.

Looking for fast and simple equipment supply solutions too? You'll find our eCatalogue also offers great choices on everything from broadband routers and VoIP phone adapters to Ethernet switches.

Or talk to your BT Wholesale account management team.