Parks Associates research shows consumers' fears of viruses, data loss, and identity theft are fueling use cases for technical support within the Internet of Things. Over 50% of U.S. smartphone and tablet owners are interested in tech support services that provide protection against loss, theft, or virus/infection. Additionally, 16% of U.S. broadband households own a smart home device and more than one-third of those consumers have experienced a problem with one or more these devices.

Parks Associates and Support.com recently partnered together to co-host a complimentary industry webcast examining strategies to allow technical support companies to remain competitive within the growing Internet of Things market. Speakers specifically discussed how to align current offerings with consumer expectations while also improving efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.

Research highlights from the webcast included:

• U.S. broadband household device adoption, including smart home devices and connected enertainment products
• Consumer expectations for free technical support services
• Number of consumers who utilize self-help tools when seeking technical support assistance

Speakers on the webcast included Sampath Gomatam, Senior Vice President, Product, and Chris Koverman, Vice President, Engineering, both from WeatherBug Home. The discussion was moderated by Parks Associates analyst Patrice Samuels.

Download the webcast recording and slide deck by clicking here.

Further Reading:

• Twenty-five percent of U.S. broadband households with smart home devices experience problems monthly
• The Internet of Things: Impact on Support Services and Solutions
• 37% of U.S. broadband households plan to buy a smart home device in 2015