Lenovo-AMD Survey Finds SMBs Overworked

Resource-and-cash-strapped small businesses struggling to cut costs in a slow economy are leaving simple cost savings options on the table and putting data at risk, according to a recent survey from Lenovo and AMD. The Lenovo-AMD Small Business Tech Survey, which sought to identify common issues and trends in technology use by small businesses, also uncovers several peculiar - and in some cases alarming ' technology practices including relying on 'piggybacking' on nearby WiFi networks and saving critical business files on USB thumb drives.

The survey of more than 700 small business professionals clearly indicates that stretched-thin staff and fierce competition means more and more employees will be working on vacation over the holidays.

In order to keep up with their hefty workload, many respondents agreed they rely on a mobile device such as a laptop or smart phone. The most preferred devices are laptops and smart phones.

Data loss can be detrimental to any business. The loss of critical spreadsheets, marketing material and worse, customer information, can cost businesses a considerable amount of time and money to recover lost data, if at all.

The consequences of data loss

Despite the consequences of data loss, the survey indicates that many small businesses are backing up critical business data using highly disposable and insecure methods:

Other secure and cost-effective means of data storage, such as web-based cloud storage, were seldom used by the small businesses surveyed:

For many respondents, WiFi in their home or office is the primary means of connecting to the Internet with their company-issued laptop. However, some respondents admitted to connecting to unsecured WiFi networks in order to conduct business:

Voice Over Internet Protocol has the potential to bring cost efficiency to any small business through free or low-cost audio and video communication via the Internet. Despite the cost benefits, the study found that:

The results of the survey highlight the importance that small businesses place on personal brand reputation and appearance. Revealing the need to make a good first impression in a business meeting or new business pitch, the survey found nearly 70 percent of respondents agreed that the appearance of a laptop issued by a small business is a reflection of that company's commitment to quality and service.

To help address common small business pain points, Lenovo offers the affordable, yet stylish, ThinkPad Edge laptops based on VISION Pro technology from AMD. Starting at $529 on www.lenovo.com, ThinkPad Edge laptops combine price, security options and productivity features like fast processing, wireless options and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features, in a sleek, modern design.

The Lenovo-AMD Small Business Tech Survey

The Lenovo-AMD Small Business Tech Survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Lenovo between October 14 and November 9, 2010, among 722 adults aged 18 and over who owned or were employed by a small business with no more than 500 employees.

Lenovo is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.