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Washington, D.C. - (Website Hosting Directory) - December 9, 2005 - Less than one third of small business stake holders say they are ready with a plan if disaster strikes, according to a recent survey of small businesses conducted by the polling company, inc. and sponsored by Citrix Systems, Inc.

Yet 55 percent of respondents pronounced such plans to be of mid- to high-level importance. Furthermore, 34 percent indicated that business continuity is more important today than it was five years ago, citing an increased threat of terrorism, natural disasters and economic fluctuations, as well as greater business volume.

At the same time, 45 percent denied the importance of a business continuity plan, indicating an alarming lack of preparedness among America's small businesses. The poll also found that affordability and simplicity are the most critical considerations for smaller companies when purchasing computer technology designed to improve workplace efficiency - a key consideration in times of workplace disruptions. Highlights of the survey were presented today at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., held by The Telework Coalition (TelCoa) and the Association of Contingency Planners (ACP).

According to Brett Caine, Group Vice President and General Manager for Citrix Online, ''In view of recent threats to business operations - from Hurricane Katrina to the Asian bird flu - we're not surprised that a number of small companies are moving continuity planning higher on their 'to do' list. However, many organizations may not know where to turn for an effective continuity solution - especially when affordability and ease of use are must-haves. Citrix provides great value through our hosted, web-based access solutions that can keep employees connected and working productively during an interruption - and we're offering small firms the chance to try them out for free.''

As noted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster. To avoid such a fate, companies need a way to give employees access to information resources even when their workplace is shut down. In a report entitled, Key Steps to Prepare for a Possible Influenza Pandemic by leading industry research analysts, Steve Bittinger and Dion Wiggins at Gartner Group, Inc., companies are advised to "establish or expand policies and tools that enable employees to work from home with broadband access, appropriate security and network access to applications." By providing real-time, web-based remote access to desktop resources and conferencing and collaboration services, solutions from Citrix Online allow employees to continue working from any location with Internet access.

''Giving employees the ability to connect from home to all the information and people they need can mean not only survival but also high productivity and consistency for a small organization. With the many potential sources of disruption today, companies need to get serious about putting a flexible, affordable plan in place,'' added Chuck Wilsker, President and CEO of TelCoa.

To encourage continuity planning to ensure businesses are prepared for winter disruptions, Citrix Online will offer businesses a 60-day free trial of its real-time access and collaboration services.

The company's offer includes:

Citrix GoToMyPC: the simplest way to provide secure remote access to the desktop. Versions are available for individuals, small businesses via GoToMyPC Pro, and GoToMyPC Corporate for larger enterprises requiring robust management and administrative controls. Employees gain fast and easy full access to their desktop files, e-mail, programs and network resources, so they can continue working as if they were sitting at their office PC.
Citrix GoToMeeting: the easiest, most cost-effective and secure way to meet and collaborate online. GoToMeeting Corporate is available for larger businesses that require reporting and administrative functionality, and up to 200 attendees per meeting. Workers stranded at home, the airport or elsewhere can hold online meetings, give presentations and collaborate with customers and colleagues in real time.
Citrix GoToAssist: the industry-leading Web-based service to remotely support customers and employees. Technical support is available in seconds to run diagnostics, download patches, collaborate and provide visual training or update files in real time, with no requirement to invest in hardware or software.

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