While WiFi technologies are part of the DNA of an organisation, almost a third (28%) of local company executives are dissatisfied with their wireless networks.
This is according to the findings of the 2019 Wireless Networking Survey run in March by ITWeb in partnership with ICT value added distributor, Axiz. The poll aims to find out how South African companies are coping with increasing wireless networking demand, and to gain a better understanding of the state of wireless connectivity solutions within local businesses.
Despite an increasing number of local businesses being dependent on wireless technology, the survey reveals that the majority are grappling with several challenges, including Internet speeds, intermittent connectivity and seamless connection to Internet of things (IOT) When asked to rate their satisfaction level with their current WiFi network on a scale of 1 to 5, not a single respondent was very satisfied with their network. The majority (47%) rated it 3 (neutral) and only 22% gave a rating of 4 (satisfied). Another 28% gave it a rating of 2 (dissatisfied), while 3% opted for 1 (very dissatisfied).
The digitalisation of businesses in the past decade has revolutionised the Wi-Fi market for various verticals, driven largely by the proliferation of mobile devices and the rapidly growing adoption of bring your own device policies within enterprises.
Tightening security
According to research firm, Markets and Markets, the Wi-Fi market is expected to grow to $ 15.60 billion by 2022, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%.
When asked to rate their satisfaction level with overall WiFi coverage, none of the respondents had sufficient WiFi coverage in their organisation, 12 % gave a rating of 1; 18% rated it 2, another 39% rated 3; and 31% opted for 4.
Just over a third (33%) of respondents reported that over 250 devices regularly connect to their corporate WiFi network, while 6% have between 100 and 250 devices and 9% have between 51 and 100 devices.
An overwhelming majority (81%) noted an integrated security solution for their wireless network is ‘extremely’ important. Another 13% believe it was “somewhat” important and 6% were not sure.
In terms of satisfaction with the technologies that support wireless networking in different business scenarios, none of the respondents were very satisfied. Only 26% gave it a rating of 4, another 41% rated it 3, a quarter (25%) chose 2 and 8% rated it 1.
Digital transformation
A vast majority (83%) of respondents understand digital transformation as ‘applying the latest technologies to transform business models/disrupt markets’. When it comes to the impact of digital transformation, 40% expect it to completely transform their business model and / or market; one third believe it will greatly improve business processes, while only 5% believe it will have no significant impact.
In terms of cloud-WiFi, just over a tenth of respondents said their company is busy with cloud WiFi implementation, while almost a third (29%) said they will consider it within the next 12 months, with 16% not being interested in the technology.
A cloud-managed wireless network solution reduces costs, increases productivity, and enhances the network security. All of these benefits of cloudmanaged wireless work together to help the business achieve its goals and objectives as its requirements change.
About the survey?
The 2019 Wireless Networking Survey was run for two weeks in March by ITWeb in partnership with ICT value added distributor, Axiz.
Almost 70% of respondents consisted of decision makers – 29% are C-level executive, while a further 40% were at mid-management level.
24% identified themselves as WiFi solution resellers or service providers, while close to 70% are business users of WiFi connectivity.
10% of respondents have between 5000 and 9 999 employees, another 10% have between 1000 and 4999 employees and 18% have 10 000 employees or more.
Share