Security fears holding back WLAN deployments

A newly released survey from JupiterResearch found that, although 84 percent of companies with current deployments have not experienced any security breaches, nearly half of respondents blame security issues as the main inhibitor preventing WLAN deployment.

The analyst group's poll of 211 companies found that WLAN deployments are growing in size, but most companies are not willing to go completely wireless - a reluctance due in part to security fears.

"The primary driver behind deployments today is employee demand," said JupiterResearch research director Julie Ask. "A majority of companies are also recognizing WLANs as a productivity tool for their employees and a more cost effective alternative to wired networks."

The study found that just 6 percent of middle and large-sized companies with current deployments have 90 percent or more of their employees on a WLAN.

"Budgets are also increasing," added Ask. The percentage of companies spending more than $10,000 annually will grow from just over a quarter in 2003 to 35 per cent in 2004, the analyst group predicted.

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