December 9, 2005—If disaster strikes, fewer than one third of small business stake holders say they are ready with a plan, according to a recent survey of small businesses conducted by the polling company, inc. and sponsored by Citrix Systems, Inc.
Yet 55 percent of respondents pronounced such plans to be of mid- to high-level importance. Furthermore, 34 percent indicated that business continuity is more important today than it was five years ago, citing an increased threat of terrorism, natural disasters and economic fluctuations, as well as greater business volume, notes the survey. At the same time, 45 percent denied the importance of a business continuity plan, indicating an alarming lack of preparedness among America’s small businesses.
The poll also found that affordability and simplicity are the most critical considerations for smaller companies when purchasing computer technology designed to improve workplace efficiency – a key consideration in times of workplace disruptions.
This survey of 350 decision-makers for small businesses, defined as those with 5-100 employees, was conducted by the polling company, inc. November 7-16, 2005. To qualify as a “decision-maker,” respondents had to be influential in making the technological, hardware, software and computer decisions for their companies. Margin of error was +/- 5.3%. Verbatim text of the questions and answers addressed in this release may be viewed online.
