Consumer technologies from IM to online travel services can increase small and medium business (SMB) productivity outside the office 30 percent to 40 percent, especially for the least empowered employees, according to Yankee Group market research. Second Life and YouTube can have the opposite result. The SMB work environment has not changed in the past 30 years. However, the impact of ubiquitous connectivity is changing the work-life balance of both enterprise and SMB workers.

"SMBs are stuck in a productivity malaise using technology no more helpful than a bikini in a meat locker," said Steve Hilton, vice president of Yankee Group's Enterprise Research group. "Ubiquitous connectivity is becoming a reality, and for SMBs to get ahead in this global connectivity revolution, organizations must adopt consumer- and business-based technologies to improve employees' work-life balance and drive forward productivity".

According to the recently published Yankee Group Report, Unleash the Hidden Power of Your SMB, technology solutions drive productivity for SMBs outside the office, not inside. Of the consumer technology solutions, blogs, wikis, smart phones, wireless-enabled laptops, instant messaging and online travel services have the greatest impact on SMBs, increasing productivity 25% to 50% for SMB mobile employees.

On the other hand, voice-only cellular phones, Second Life, Slingbox and YouTube decrease SMB employee productivity.

To maximize employee productivity, Yankee Group advises SMBs to force IT staffs to support the "just-making-its" and "common folk" in their organizations, as much as the "movers-and-shakers" and "aspiring executives."

Consumer technology solutions also help Anywhere employees better balance their work and home commitments, adding a level of sanity to their hectic lives.

About this study

The Yankee Group report, "Unleash the Hidden Power of Your SMB", shows the impact consumer-based technologies have on SMB employees and provides recommendations for SMB application vendors such as to stop buying fixed-office-based technology and buy technology solutions that drive productivity outside the office.

» Story on Analyst Firm Website

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