Factors influencing the adoption of wireless networks in New Zealand businesses

Abstract

Wireless networking is a current topic in information science and the business world is beginning to adapt to this new technology. This study proposes to assess what percentage of New Zealand businesses have adopted wireless, and try to determine what the major influences are on companies adopting a wireless network. Based upon the literature review, suitable companies to target were determined and surveyed. This study questioned the top 500 businesses in New Zealand and 250 government agencies as to their wireless use, and what was, or is the major factor influencing their decision to adopt wireless networking. It also addressed the differences in perceptions of wireless between those companies that have adopted wireless, and those that have not. It was discovered that the most influential factor on businesses adopting wireless was security. Some of the other factors that influenced businesses decisions were cost, range and bandwidth. It was also discovered that of those companies that were concerned about security, there was a difference between the perceptions of wireless between those that have adopted wireless, and those that have not.