PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
PCR conducted a survey asking 50 anonymous retailers about their thoughts on the cloud. Here’s what we found…
Have you sold any cloud products?
Cloud products are certainly becoming a popular addition for many retailers, as results reveal that 53 per cent have sold some cloud products over the past year.
However, some are reluctant to get on board, with 47 per cent of retailers stating they did not sell any cloud products.
Office 365 was the most popular cloud product sold by retailers last year, while other products such as Livedrive, GFI and AVG were too. Some retailers say they sold Google Apps for business and One Drive products last year.
If you are not selling cloud, are you considering doing so in the next 12 months?
Trust and privacy issues are some of the main reasons why retailers aren’t selling cloud products, however, 69 per cent reveal that they might consider introducing cloud products into their business over the next 12 months.
Others claim they do not know enough about the service, with 31 per cent stating they would not introduce it in the future. One retailer says: “I don’t know enough about it yet and whether there is a market for the consumer through selling at retail.”
Do you think subscription services can be profitable?
The majority of retailers feel that subscription services are a profitable source of revenue, and could indeed benefit their business. One retailer says: “The right software will tie in customers indefinitely, which will provide a regular recurring revenue for us.”
Others feel the flexibility of the service is an advantage, while some feel a little less optimistic. One retailer expresses his concerns: “Some vendors may undercut you on the renewal price.”
Check out PCR’s 2015 retail survey here.
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