New SME research from MYOB has revealed small and medium businesses using the cloud are much more likely to experience positive financial and operational results. They are also more likely to expect such results in the future.
One key finding was that those using cloud technologies for business were 53 per cent more likely to see a revenue rise in the past year, indicating the rewards are waiting for those who are ready to embrace cloud computing.
MYOB, which offers the MYOB Live suite of cloud solutions, commissioned independent market research firm Colmar Brunton to conduct a nationally representative survey of 1,000+ SMEs. Only 14 per cent said they used the cloud for business, 79 per cent said they did not use it and 8 per cent did not know.
Respondents’ gap in understanding of the cloud computing concept brings into question whether their sector’s information needs are aligned with the technology industry’s educational desires.
MYOB CEO Tim Reed says, “Despite the technology industry’s best efforts to teach others about the concept of cloud computing, our research shows a disconnect between SME cloud usage and their understanding of it. I question whether we need to rethink our educational direction when encouraging their move to the cloud.”
There were numerous financial and operational result wins for cloud users as MYOB’s research showed. Cloud users have more sales and work than usual in their three month pipeline; intend to grow their number or range of products or services in the next year; expect their revenue to rise in the next year and intend to increase their prices and staff and margins on products sold this year.
For more information on MYOB’s survey on cloud technologies visit myob.com.au