A study from ABI Research predicts that a new class of "always-on" products connected to the internet will become popular over the coming five years.

Known as "ultra mobile devices", or UMDs, they will sell in huge numbers and by 2012 there will be almost 95 million of them sold, the report suggests.

The devices could have a significant effect on the way in which companies in the UK do business, and firms should always ensure they have adequate IT support in place.

UMDs come in two main types - UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs), Windows-based products which are aimed at business users and feature business applications, and MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices), which are aimed at consumers and likely to run on Linux.

They will feature multiple wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX, and will provide users with functions including web surfing, music, voice and data communications and photo/video services.

The new Apple iPhone can be seen as a precursor to MIDs, the report notes.

"UMDs are a very exciting, potentially very lucrative area, said Stan Schatt of ABI Research.

"What makes this market so intriguing is that products will assume so many different forms. That product differentiation will be an integral part of the ultra mobile device marketing plan."

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)