Businesses should hunt around for the best IT security and support products after a new survey revealed that those businesses perceived to be the most innovative in this sector often have their primary focus elsewhere.

According to the latest report by research firm IDC, entitled Innovation in the Security Software Market: Top Vendors from A Mindshare Perspective, many respondents to the survey considered the most up-to-date IT security services to come from businesses that are not most known for providing security products.

The survey was thus seen to indicate that many modern internet-based businesses have begun to appreciate the value of IT security within a broader framework of IT support and technical assistance.

"IDC believes that this augurs well for these vendors when end-users are basing buying decisions on vendor innovation," commented Willie Low of IDC Asia/Pacific.

A majority of respondents to the survey suggested they were increasingly interested in the value-for-money IT options often available when vendors were able to "bundle new features in products".

According to recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent)