Significant Number of Online Michigan Businesses Lack Backup Internet Service
Lansing, MI (PRWEB) September 12, 2014 -- Explore the New Infographic
New research released today by Connect Michigan shows that Michigan businesses are generating consistently significant revenues from online sales, but 127,000 Internet-connected Michigan businesses lack redundant or backup Internet service, making them vulnerable to service disruptions that could cost them customers and sales revenues.
“Michigan businesses rely on dependable Internet access to foster economic vitality in the Great Lakes State,” said Eric Frederick, executive director of Connect Michigan. “Sustaining a web presence is critical for maintaining visibility in the global economy, growing marketplaces, and connecting with customers. The lack of backup broadband services shows that we still have much work to do.”
Among other findings of the 2014 Michigan business survey:
• Online sales represented more than $71.7 billion in revenues for Michigan businesses last year
• Nearly one-quarter of Internet-connected Michigan businesses (24%) now rely on cloud computing services, including data storage and back-up, file sharing, and website hosting
• Nearly one in eight businesses (12%) say it is important for new employees to be able to create or edit a mobile app, and an equal percentage say it is important for new employees to know at least one programming language
• More than half of Michigan businesses (51%) say they spend their own time and resources training new employees on the software that their business uses
These and other findings are available on Connect Michigan’s website.
Connect Michigan’s 2014 business survey was based on interviews with 600 businesses statewide; the research was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative grant program for Michigan, funded by the NTIA.
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About Connect Michigan: As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in the state of Michigan, Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation to work with local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s underserved areas. For more information about what Connect Michigan is doing to accelerate technology in Michigan’s communities, visit http://www.connectmi.org.
Follow Connect Michigan on Facebook or Twitter.
Jessica Ditto, Connected Nation, http://www.connectednation.org/, +1 (202) 251-4749, [email protected]
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