Procuring modern technology in order to streamline core processes may, at times, be seen as an undertaking primarily deployed by large enterprises with a big staff and significant resources to throw behind tech investments.

However, it seems that today, small businesses are seeking out cutting-edge systems with the same enthusiasm.

According to a recent IT security study in which more than 2,000 small business with between five and 250 employees were surveyed, it was found that more than one third of the polled respondents have enabled employees to conduct business via mobile phones. Furthermore, the study found that 34 percent of the respondents had developed a virtualization program in which scalable, digital versions of hardware and storage are utilized.

Even more popular was cloud computing with 40 percent of respondents mentioning the deployment of public clouds, while 43 percent are utilizing a private cloud.

But, what is the driving force behind this technological transition? According to the researchers, the answer is simple: disaster recovery.

"SMBs cannot afford lengthy downtimes, so the ability to quickly recover from a disaster is critical," said Steve Cullen, an expert in marketing and cloud strategies for small businesses. "Technologies such as virtualization, cloud computing and mobility, combined with a sound plan and comprehensive security and data protection solutions, enable SMBs to better prepare for and quickly recover from potential disasters such as floods or fires, as well as lost or stolen mobile devices and laptops."

Another reason that these technologies are so important is that they can facilitate data mirroring at facilities outside the primary workplace should a natural disaster or major technical malfunction occur. In order to obtain assistance in negotiating the best price possible on a hot site that is fully equipped with the full scope of a business' data, officials can turn to a disaster preparedness consulting firm that provides services with no charge unless fiscal savings manifest.