Press & PR

A new study has found that the increasing popularity of the internet among small and medium-sized business enterprises (SMEs) has led to a more competitive online marketplace.

Nearly all of those interviewed by the Cranfield School of Management (CSM) had incorporated internet based technologies such email, online business or VoIP into their business structure.

Advances in software have allowed companies to trade online more easily, but it has also meant that businesses need to focus on providing more competitive services to stay on top of the market.

Professor Andrew Burke, head of the CSM, stated: "There is no question that the internet has enhanced the performance of SMEs by enabling them to be more innovative, more up to speed [and] negotiate better with suppliers."

The survey also reported that SMEs are increasingly concerned with global competition as consumers are able to access a wider market.

A recent survey has found that SMEs value level of service over speed, stating that a reliable connection is more important to their business needs, Computing.co.uk reports.

Vonage is encouraging consumers to use the internet to find the best deal for their communications needs.

The V-Plan 2 package offers inclusive calls to 15 countries including the UK for just £7.99 a month.