Our Softworld survey says

We've just returned to the office after a busy couple of days at Softworld; as we celebrated 20 years we commissioned a report from the Centre of Future Studies on The Future of Technology, and how it will impact mid-market enterprises. I spoke at a couple of seminars, both well attended, as I outlined the findings of the report. Photos from the event can be seen here.

Alongside this we also surveyed visitors to our stand on where they thought future technology was going in the next 10-20 years. The findings of the survey show that most respondents believe we're moving towards a mobile, cloud based future with 64% saying that their business's software and services will be fully in the cloud by 2020.

The rise in popularity of mobile devices is continuing, hardly surprising considering we were carrying out the survey on a tablet; 71% said that mobile devices will overtake PC's as the most common device for web access. In fact throughout the show there were visitors and delegates everywhere on smart phones and tablets, staying in touch while away from the office.

The final question on our survey asked whether the virtual office will be a reality by 2020. This split participants right down the middle with 53% saying they do not believe that the virtual office will be a reality in nine years time. With people willing to accept mobile and cloud technologies it's interesting that the idea of a virtual office isn't so easily accepted.

Is this because it's engrained in our culture to go to a set place of work? Do we prefer a separation between home and work life? Will business always require a set location from which to trade, even if the work can be carried out from anywhere?

While many businesses probably already have some form of SaaS or hosted solution, and rely a certain amount on mobile devices the biggest hurdle to overcome seems to be the move to a virtual office. What are your thoughts?

Please contact us if you would like a copy of the report.

Alex Reeves
Marketing Director

Posted in Technology | By Alex Reeves

Article keywords: future, technology, survey, virtual office, softworld, access

Alex Reeves

As group marketing director, I oversee the marketing and PR for Access. Prior to joining Access in 2007, I worked in 'big 4' consulting, responsible for business development, systems implementation and advisory projects with multi-channel retail and FMCG clients. During my consulting career, I've worked with companies such as WHSmith, B&Q, Rothmans, DHL, Dixons and SAB Miller. Outside work, I stay very busy my three children, all under the age of 10.