Research commissioned by communication software provider Skype showed that 54 per cent of small enterprises believe workers had travelled abroad needlessly for a meeting and many are looking at how IT can avoid this.
The study found that time constraints, environmental concerns and budget cuts have led to more companies investigating how technology can replace the need to travel, with 41 per cent of small firms expressing interest in instant messaging.
In addition, 40 per cent are looking at using Skype, 34 per cent are considering teleconferencing and 28 per cent are investigating video conferencing.
Video-based communication technologies are among those currently proving popular with businesses, as 59 per cent said they will use them to replace travel in the future.
Stefan Oberg, vice president of Skype for Business, said: 'With the obvious cuts in business travel, companies need to find new ways to communicate, collaborate and compete.'
Recently, IBISWorld senior analyst George van Horn claimed VoIP will remain popular with firms because of the low call costs it creates.
The study found that time constraints, environmental concerns and budget cuts have led to more companies investigating how technology can replace the need to travel, with 41 per cent of small firms expressing interest in instant messaging.
In addition, 40 per cent are looking at using Skype, 34 per cent are considering teleconferencing and 28 per cent are investigating video conferencing.
Video-based communication technologies are among those currently proving popular with businesses, as 59 per cent said they will use them to replace travel in the future.
Stefan Oberg, vice president of Skype for Business, said: 'With the obvious cuts in business travel, companies need to find new ways to communicate, collaborate and compete.'
Recently, IBISWorld senior analyst George van Horn claimed VoIP will remain popular with firms because of the low call costs it creates.
