This is according to a survey commissioned by COLT. Additionally, the survey revealed that while at present only a mere 11 per cent already work in this way, only 15 per cent felt this mode of operating would not appeal to them or was too risky.
The new research conducted by specialist research consultancy Vanson Bourne also identified the three main advantages that SMEs believe they would gain from having a single supplier:
- It is easier/less time-consuming to deal with a single supplier and to have just one bill - 40 per cent
- Improved customer service due to a single point of contact - 24 per cent
-There is greater opportunity to negotiate on price - 20 per cent
The survey also revealed the top two attributes that SMEs said they value most in their telecommunications service: reliability and responsive customer service (39 per cent); and competitive pricing (30 per cent).
Ian Traynor, UK Marketing director said: “The results are revealing. A large percentage of the businesses surveyed indicated that they would prefer a single supplier for all telecom requirements – if the right standard of service could be guaranteed. At COLT, we provide business grade solutions to over 50,000 businesses today – over 40,000 of which are from a smaller business environment. With the launch of COLT Total, we believe that we are taking the lead in bringing an enterprise-grade solution to the midsize sector, and responding to this demand for one supplier. Furthermore, whatever the size of your business, everyone has access to our award winning customer service.”
“COLT Total, launched today, highlights how COLT is taking the lead in delivering enterprise-grade solutions to the midsize sector. Designed for businesses with more than 10 employees, it is a converged communications service that bundles voice, internet and a variety of optional services over a single internet protocol (IP) connection. It responds to demand from midsize businesses for a simple, affordable and high quality way to manage today’s proliferation of communications services. Research from IDC also shows demand for such a product.”
Vanson Bourne surveyed IT decision makers in companies with five to 250 employees in the UK and the research is based on 400 interviews.