IT managers left out of the loop

IT managers aren't playing enough of a role in the decision-making processes of Irish businesses. That's according to IT software firm CA, which called on Irish businesses to engage more with IT staff in order to ensure they make the most of the technology that is available. "It's critical that IT people have some say in the decision-making process," said Frank Kennedy, country manager with CA. He suggested Irish firms need to look on technology as a vital component of any business. His comments came on the back of a CA report on the role of IT managers in UK businesses. The study found that 73 percent of decisions about innovation projects, which are designed to help companies respond to tougher market conditions, are made without full consideration of their impact on the IT department. In addition, 45 percent of those surveyed said IT costs were being overlooked when new business ventures were being planned. Read more on this story on ENN.ie.

Workers increasingly 'hyperconnected'

Sixteen percent of global workers are 'hyperconnected', that is, they use a minimum of seven communications devices to access nine applications during a typical work day. That's according to a study released by Nortel and IDC, which revealed that 35 percent of workers are using four devices to access six applications per day. The devices and applications include mobile phones, email, instant messaging and social networks. The percentage of 'hyperconnected' workers is expected to rocket to 40 percent in just a few years, the research firm said. The rapid growth in the number of devices and applications that workers are now using highlights the importance of this trend, according to John Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president at IDC. He said businesses that embrace this development have an opportunity to increase productivity and compete in the global marketplace more effectively. For more on this story visit IT Week.

Social networks a key communications channel

Some 38 percent of workers worldwide are using social networks as a way to communicate with customers, and 41 percent are using these sites to link up with co-workers. And among the 'hyperconnected' - the 16 percent of the workforce who fully embrace the latest tools and services - these figures jump to 59 percent and 56 percent, respectively. That's according to a study by research firm IDC on behalf of Nortel, which said that restricting access to social networks during work hours could prevent staff from maintaining important communication links. In general, employees are increasingly using social networks and other Web 2.0 tools in their workplace, the survey found, and businesses need to adapt to these changing work practices or risk alienating potential new staff, advised Nortel. As graduates leave an education system where varied communications are commonplace, they are likely to expect the same level of connectivity in their jobs. For more on this story read Vnunet.com. (For more on social networking, see the 'eBusiness in focus' section of this issue.)

Flexible working can help ease stress

Reducing stress is considered the main benefit to flexible working, according to an Orange SMS Business Jury survey, which revealed that an increase in employee loyalty is also considered a key advantage to allowing staff to work out of the office. Just under 20 percent of respondents said that productivity and revenue can be boosted by flexible working, while a mere 3 percent said it could reduce a firm's carbon footprint. For businesses, improving the work-life balance and having the right technology were the key considerations to introducing flexible working, with trust in staff coming in as the next most important factor. Overall, just over 50 percent of respondents believe that an office is the most productive working environment; this is more than double the number who said the home is a more productive setting. For more on this story visit Vnunet.com.

The highs and lows of social networking

Home working (part two): Secure access

Case study: RecruitmentPlus

Encrypt your data

Everglades Hotel, Derry, 4 June
The IIA, in collaboration with Tibus and ION Technologies, presents this half-day 'masterclass' aimed at helping businesses better understand how to benefit from their online communications and marketing strategies. The event is aimed at CEOs, marketing managers, communications managers, content writers, editors, webmasters and online sales personnel.

This new site aims to be a one-stop shop for Irish SMEs looking to do business and find technology partners in Europe. EEN Ireland is administered by Enterprise Ireland and the Chambers in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Waterford; the Irish network is part of a wider European network comprised of nearly 600 partner organisations in over 40 countries. The site offers guidance in a wide range of areas, including information on EU legislation, help with identifying market opportunities and finding business partners in Europe, assistance with IP licensing and technology transfer, and advice on gaining access to European research funding.