SMEs 'need to maintain tech investment'

Despite the economic pressures being felt by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country, executives need to maintain investment in IT infrastructure to avoid being left behind when the economy pulls out of recession, technology experts warn.

Research carried out by consultancy Ardent Solutions has shown that many SMEs are already feeling the pressure of underinvestment as system downtime increases and legacy system maintenance costs mount.

The research echoes comments made last week by Glyn Owen of Damovo UK, who warned that organisational resources are being stretched to breaking point as firms look to get as much as possible out of their existing IT infrastructure.

Vnunet.com reports that such problems may strengthen the case for a move to Software as a Service (SaaS) and services such as web hosting.

"Many have already made a move towards leveraging external IT expertise for support, maintenance, outsourcing and advice. Making the move to SaaS is the logical next step," said Ardent managing director Andrew Watkinson.

Written by Debra Hastings-Henry.