RESEARCH
The AppDirect Small Business Software Trends Report 2021
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Opportunities in an Era of Rapid Digital Disruption
SMBs are using more cloud-based solutions than ever before, but they need help to get ROI. Learn more about this and other SMB technology trends shaping today’s business landscape.

“SMBs have shown remarkable resilience and creativity, reinventing their work and business models not just to survive, but thrive.
Many SMBs are turning to cloud-based software to power their digital transformations, and many need help to adopt, scale, and optimize their solution stacks.
Opportunities abound for companies that serve SMBs.”

New Data on How SMBs Are Adapting to the New Normal
For SMBs, using cloud-based solutions is nothing new. However, where small businesses buy their technology from, and why, is changing fast. To examine these trends in depth, AppDirect conducted a survey of SMBs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
The report explores:
SMB CLOUD ADOPTION
Explains SMB cloud adoption trends, as well as the increasing use of other technology, such as IaaS and IoT.
SMB TECHNOLOGY BUYING PREFERENCES
Digs into where SMBs prefer to buy cloud-based solutions, the role that providers and advisors play, and what factors influence their decisions.
TECHNOLOGY ROI FOR SMBS
Examines what factors deliver a high ROI for SMBs that invest in business technology, such as working with a knowledgeable advisor.
CLOUD CHALLENGES FOR SMBS
Details the challenges that SMBs face when buying, deploying, and managing cloud, including the lack of self-service options from providers.
"SMBs often lack the IT staff, skills and experience, time, and budget to deploy technology. Without guidance from technology advisors, it can be difficult for SMBs to maximize the value they get from new software." -AppDirect
Key Takeaways from the Report
The AppDirect Small Business Software Trends Report 2021 features dozens of relevant findings, including:
- 45% of SMBs have all or most of their business software based in the cloud
- 28% of SMBs purchase software from technology advisors, up from 21% in 2017
- 84% of SMBs have at least some difficulty using new SaaS solutions
