IT helps give firms in the UK a vital competitive edge, a new report claims.
The survey, UK Competitiveness: The Role of IT Services, which was conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), reveals that 63 per cent of respondents believe that IT services have improved customer retention and satisfaction.
Another 60 per cent use technology to tailor products and services to the needs of their consumers, while 57 per cent think the development of new marketing methods through IT has helped boost their firm.
John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, said: "At a time of tougher economic conditions and ever-increasing international competition, it is vital that all firms understand how they can use IT to drive performance and create goods and services customers want."
Customer-focused activities, rather than cost cutting is now the major driving force behind IT development, he added.
Recently, a study by Nasstar found that IT professionals think their talents are going to waste as they are "inundated" with menial tasks such as password resets.
