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Published in:
2012 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
1. SMEs and Information Technologies in the Broadband Economy
Authors : Katia Passerini, Ayman El Tarabishy, Karen Patten
Published in: Information Technology for Small Business
Publisher: Springer New York
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Abstract
Today’s broadband-supported tools are enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access to and easier management of information technologies (IT). These tools are offering new ways to communicate and reach customers. Although large corporations have resources and money to invest in emerging information technologies, they also have a major disadvantage: their size may cause complexities (and sometimes inertia) that may slow down new technology adoption. The size and dynamic nature of SMEs can enable such businesses to quickly take advantage of technological progress while minimizing risks. The key, however, is for SMEs not only to adopt, but also to effectively plan, implement, maintain, and manage the broadband-supported technological evolution.
This opening chapter defines small and medium enterprises and introduces technological trends that can be leveraged by SMEs to gain competitive advantage. It discusses technological advancements (as well as limitations) caused by broadband technologies and maps the recent technological trends to SME business needs. The chapter emphasizes that technological investments must comply with the SMEs’ core capabilities and business drivers. That is, choices about IT investments need to be planned, intentional, and driven by SMEs’ business priorities and market demands.