Firms need remote working technology, expert claims

Written by Louise Tate

Businesses' reactions to the recent tube strikes in London suggest they have failed to invest in remote working technologies, an expert has claimed.

Nigel Hawthorn, vice president of European, Middle Eastern and African marketing at Blue Coat Systems, pointed out that sales of IT and communication equipment tend to increase in the run-up to such events, but said not all companies are recognising the need for the ability to work from outside the office.

He added: "Sadly that shows that some organisations still haven’t invested in home working technology."

Mr Hawthorn also suggested that the reason for this could be that many companies are optimistic and believe that they will not be affected by disruption.

However, the expert stressed that all firms must draw up plans to deal with business disruption, which may involve the use of IT outsourcing.

Recently, the Chartered Management Institute found that 52 per cent of firms claim to have plans for business disruption, showing a five per cent increase on 2008.