STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1999-- Pitney Bowes Research Provides Insights on Small Business Attitudes Towards Technology Small business owners recognize that technology has become a mission critical business tool and are forging ahead in the

technological business revolution. However, technology is changing so fast, many small businesses are finding it difficult to keep up. Findings from a comprehensive study of more than 2,000 small business owners conducted by Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) in conjunction with Yankelovich Partners revealed that while small businesses recognize the value of technology, only 33% of them feel they are tech savvy.

The study provides interesting insights into what keeps small business owners awake at night. Topping the list of business worries is staying on top of technology. Technology is fast becoming an essential tool for small businesses to generate new customers, keep in touch with existing customers, manage vendor relationships, pay the bills and even find new employees, so it is no surprise that 46% of small business owners worry about keeping up. The study found that only 8% of small business owners consider themselves technological experts, 25% are savvy but do not consider themselves experts, 42% claim just average technological knowledge, 15% say that they know just the basics and 8% say they are at a complete technological loss.

Despite these statistics, small businesses are getting on the technological bandwagon and are bringing their businesses into the e-world. According to the study, 40% of small businesses are now on the Internet. Usage of the Internet in this space is manifold and small businesses are going online for everything from communication via email, researching the market, hunting for new business opportunities, prospecting for clients, and conducting e-commerce. Additionally, 25% of small businesses are finding that having a Web site is an excellent medium to project a professional and savvy image for their companies, build a customer base and promote products and services to a broad audience.

"What has gone unrealized up until this study is that small business owners' feelings, attitudes and ideas are translated into the way they run their business. There are those that are just naturally bold and unafraid to test the potential of using technology in their businesses. Then there are the timid and traditional ones that just hope it goes. The reality, however, is that technology is just one area that they cannot afford to fall behind in," says Elise DeBois, President of Pitney Bowes Small Business Solutions group.

In order to better serve this dynamic market segment, Pitney Bowes recently launched PitneyWorks(SM), the company's new brand focused on meeting the needs of today's small business owners. The PitneyWorks offering includes a full suite of mail, messaging, marketing and financial products and services designed for the way small business really works. The products under the PitneyWorks brand umbrella draw on Pitney Bowes' innovative product development and market expertise in providing total solutions for the small and home office and were created with deep insight into business owners' needs and a comprehensive understanding of the various processes involved in running their businesses.

Pitney Bowes Inc. is a $4.2 billion global provider of informed mail and messaging management. For more information about Pitney Bowes' full range of services and products, please visit http://www.pitneybowes.com or call 1-800-640-7058 and for additional information on Pitney Bowes' suite of small business solutions, please visit www.pitneyworks.com.