Broadband becoming mainstream 05 May 2005
New figures reveal that the number of global broadband lines stood at 150.5 million at the end of 2004. The research from Point Topic reveals a record 50 million increase for the whole of 2004 and underlines the importance of being broadband enabled in the modern business world.
By the end of the year Point Topic predicts a whopping 215 million broadband lines around the world. In the UK alone Ofcom estimated over 6 million high-speed broadband users at the beginning of 2005 with new subscriptions adding over 60,000 a week.
So why are so many opting for a high-speed line and how can broadband benefit your business?
Efficiency
Broadband is 'always-on', and allows you to communicate, do business and get hold of information instantly and at any time. This opens up opportunities for streamlining business processes. Linking together your back-office systems to your website can help you do business more quickly and reduce administration costs. This is further underlined by the ability to automate processes such as transactions, order tracking and stock ordering.
Communication
Broadband's ability to transfer large amounts of data in a short period of time means a whole new world of communications is opened up. Staff and customers will be able to communicate more using email and large documents can be sent quickly and easily anywhere in the world saving money and time compared to posting or waiting for a dial-up connection. Video conferencing is also an option, reducing time and money spent on travel.
Customer service
Broadband means customers can access up-to-date account information 24-hours-a-day seven-days-a-week. Broadband also means that you can use your phone at the same time ensuring you're never out of touch.
Flexibility
A business that is flexible enough to adapt to new circumstances is often a company that succeeds. Broadband offers a great deal of flexibility allowing mobile or home-working as staff can access your network remotely opening up the prospect of saving on office space. Broadband also opens up the option of outsourcing certain processes, allowing you to focus on the core business.
Cost savings
Ultimately, broadband is proving so popular for the simple reason it reduces costs and improves profits. By paying a flat fee companies can see cost savings whilst also making more use of the Internet. Savings in time and resources more than recoups costs, thanks to a more streamlined and efficient way of doing business.
