Women entrepreneurs worry about electronic security

Those are findings of a recent study released by IBM and the Center for Women’s Business Research.

Other data from the study shows that female business owners spend $38 billion a year on information technology products and services.

Also, more than 70 percent of women-owned businesses surveyed use technology to make their businesses more profitable and innovative, to improve quality and to better manage business resources.

“The vast majority – 83 percent – of women business owners are personally involved in selecting and purchasing technology for their businesses,” said center Chairwoman Margaret M. Smith in a news release. “Contrary to common perception, women business owners are as likely as men business owners to be willing to adopt new technology and more likely – 24 (percent) versus 18 percent – than women in general.”

Female entrepreneurs are concerned about the security of online transactions, the impact of disasters on technology, general system failure, computer viruses and accuracy of online information.

Even so, less than a quarter, or 23 percent, had a plan in place to deal with these concerns.

Women business owners use technology not just to accomplish tasks but also to create integrated business solutions. More than two-thirds of women business owners indicated that they use technology to solve problems related to accounting and financial management, sales, marketing and customer services.

Among the respondents, 93 percent said they use e-commerce to buy goods and services, seek business opportunities, submit bids, sell goods or services or perform business administration tasks, such as recruiting employees or presenting Web-based meetings.

Women business owners depend on a variety of advisers to make decisions about technology and acquiring technology services.

Topping the list are family and friends (74 percent), though 68 percent seek service support from representatives of a computer manufacturer, vendor or reseller. Another 44 percent of women seek advice from specialized technology firms or consultants.

“It is important to us that we have a clear understanding of women business owners’ needs and concerns, and commissioning this study is part of the IBM commitment to bring relevant affordable solutions to this market,” said Marilyn Johnson, vice president of IBM market development in the release.

Sharon Hadary, executive director of the center added, “Women business owners consistently have been leaders in embracing technology as a key part of their business plan and were early adopters of e-commerce.”