Aust businesses need wireless smarts: IDC

A recent study has found that more than 90 percent of Australian businesses don't have a company-wide wireless strategy.

The study, carried out by market analyst IDC, found that there was 'lukewarm perceptions toward the importance of wireless technology among Australian decision makers', according to a statement.

IDC found these decision makers didn't see the ability to wirelessly connect employees, customers and partners as highly critical to their business operations.

Wireless was still seen by businesses as primarily a communications platform, said Warren Chaisatien, senior analyst for mobile and wireless solutions at IDC. 'Australian companies have yet to realise the full benefits of wireless and they need help in taking the technology to the next level,' said Chaisatien.

Wireless carriers and other mobile solutions providers should be trying to capitalise on opportunities presented by these business owners, IDC urges in its statement. It suggested they try tactics such as educating decision makers about how to take advantage of wireless technology, and getting involved in corporate wireless LAN deployments.

The study involved interviews from decision makers at 257 companies, from a range of industries and company sizes.