Analysis of market opportunities for IT support services in the intersection of three regions: a comprehensive study of the IT needs and current infrastructure of SMEs
Turpeinen, Matias (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202404176767
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202404176767
Tiivistelmä
The primary aim of this thesis was to investigate the potential for new IT support businesses targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the central areas of Finland. By examining the current market conditions in South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, and Central Finland, the study sought to determine the feasibility of establishing such businesses in these areas. The study centered around the question: "What is the current state of the market in the area comprising the three regions of Southern Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, and Central Finland, from the perspective of viability for potential new IT support businesses focusing specifically on SMEs?"
Employing a quantitative approach, the study aimed to collect a broad sample from 1,500 participants but faced a low response rate, ultimately analyzing data from 39 responding SMEs. These SMEs frequently use information technologies and perceive their IT infrastructures as modern. However, concerns were predominantly raised about cybersecurity. Notably, only a fraction had internal IT staff, and half utilized outsourced IT support services, indicating a potential market gap. Yet, the majority's reluctance to invest in such services, primarily due to cost concerns, presents challenges to market entry.
Despite these challenges, there is a notable opportunity for new entrants capable of offering affordable, tailored IT solutions to SMEs. This thesis underscores the significance of cost in SMEs' decision-making processes and provides actionable insights for both the commissioners of this thesis and entrepreneurs aiming to penetrate the IT support market. By overcoming cost barriers and highlighting the value of outsourced services, new businesses may access a segment with notable demand for IT support. Following a structured approach, the thesis encompasses an introduction, literature review, market analysis, methodology, primary research, and concludes with discussions and implications.
Employing a quantitative approach, the study aimed to collect a broad sample from 1,500 participants but faced a low response rate, ultimately analyzing data from 39 responding SMEs. These SMEs frequently use information technologies and perceive their IT infrastructures as modern. However, concerns were predominantly raised about cybersecurity. Notably, only a fraction had internal IT staff, and half utilized outsourced IT support services, indicating a potential market gap. Yet, the majority's reluctance to invest in such services, primarily due to cost concerns, presents challenges to market entry.
Despite these challenges, there is a notable opportunity for new entrants capable of offering affordable, tailored IT solutions to SMEs. This thesis underscores the significance of cost in SMEs' decision-making processes and provides actionable insights for both the commissioners of this thesis and entrepreneurs aiming to penetrate the IT support market. By overcoming cost barriers and highlighting the value of outsourced services, new businesses may access a segment with notable demand for IT support. Following a structured approach, the thesis encompasses an introduction, literature review, market analysis, methodology, primary research, and concludes with discussions and implications.