Retailers Need to Invest Wisely in Technology to Enhance the Customer Experience Says Easynet Global Services

LONDON, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Easynet Global Services is urging retailers to protect their networks and applications, before they make significant investments in new technologies. Research shows that more than 80% of the UK's top 60 retailers plan to invest more in technology this year than in 2013, as they look at improving the customer experience by adopting transformational in-store technology such as self-service kiosks, guest-wifi, click and collect, mobile POS and web site tracking.

80% of retailers surveyed recently feel that technology would improve business efficiencies and drive sales, but they need to look carefully at network and application performance and consider putting protective measures in place if they are to improve the customer experience, maintain a competitive advantage and receive a return on investment, says Easynet.

3G Mobile Back-Up is one such protective measure, giving retailers a safety net in the event of a technology outage: if there's an interruption to their network, traffic automatically transfers to the Mobile Back-Up network, and the outage goes unnoticed by the customer. Research shows that 68% of shoppers abandon purchases before they get to the checkout, and 51% don't even enter a shop if they see a queue, so having a robust, available back-up network protects retailers against lost revenue and from potential damage to credibility and brand reputation.

Smart Application Assurance is another tool ideal for retailers looking to get the most from their technology investments. The tool provides real-time analysis of the performance of applications across a network - Point of Sale software, inventory apps, video applications, CRM and PSS systems - so that retailers can manage, control and optimise all applications and create a compelling customer experience.

"Technology is more important than ever in driving sales and improving the customer experience.

Before investing in new technology, though, retailers need to put measures in place which minimise risk and maximise return on investment" says Adrian Thirkill, UK managing director of Easynet Global Services. He continues, "A robust, intelligent network with the ability to monitor applications is the driving force of many successful businesses, and it's critical for retailers, especially during seasonal flux when downtime could negatively impact revenues and lose customers."

* The Retail Growth Strategies Survey 2014, commissioned by law firm TLT

Notes to Editors  

Easynet Global Services is an experienced and trusted provider in the retail sector, delivering innovative services to customers such as Dobbies Garden Centres, Paperchase and Carpetright.

A global managed service provider, Easynet Global Services  has 20 years' experience delivering managed services to national and multinational businesses. With customers, employees and offices across the world, it combines global reach with local expertise.

Easynet Global Services offers customers a portfolio of network, hosting and unified communications solutions enhanced by a range of 'over the top' solutions including security, voice, videoconferencing and application performance management

Customers include EDF, Sage, Yakult, Transport for London, Bernard Matthews, Anglian Water, Bridgestone, Q Park and Campofrio Food Group.

Easynet Global Services forms part of the Easynet Group created by the acquisition of Easynet by MDNX in December 2013. The Group is clearly structured to deliver a portfolio of IT services which will help customers drive growth and profitability, and gain a competitive edge in their markets. The business is passionate about serving the needs of its customers, and this service ethos runs throughout the organisation.

Easynet Global Services is headquartered in London.

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For more information visit http://www.easynet.com

Contact: Anne Amlot, +44(0)7718-511319, anne.amlot@easynet.com