This IDC study looks at the telecommunications technology usage and preference in New Zealand small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As the New Zealand telecommunications market undergoes a period of drastic disruption and change, and as telcos and Internet service providers (ISPs) devise strategies to compete in this new environment, it is important to take into consideration SMBs' usage of and preference for current and future technologies. This study provides an overview of some of the issues telcos and ISPs need to be aware of when targeting SMBs during a period of change.

"Considerable change is occurring across all telecommunications markets, including networking technology, Internet services, and both landline and mobile telephony services. SMBs comprise a substantial proportion of all New Zealand businesses, with over 99% of companies having 1?499 employees and over 72% of the workforce being employed by SMBs. The New Zealand telecommunications industry has reached a vital point of development resulting from market advancement in 2006. The ability of tier entrant telcos, 1 telcos, tier 2 telcos, and other ISPs to formulate strategies targeting SMBs will be significant to success," says Tim Shepheard, market analyst, IDC New Zealand.