The majority of businesses are prepared to pay premium prices for a 24-hour service from their suppliers, it is reported.

Furthermore, the research conducted by business communications company Aviva found that nine out of ten senior business managers in Europe stated they are more likely to opt for a supplier that offers a round-the-clock service, ITPro says.

In terms of differing methods of communication with suppliers, it found that paper-based means of contact were not desired - with companies favouring telephone contact, closely followed by email.

Martyn Lambert, marketing vice-president for Avaya in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, suggested that suppliers can offer a "virtual" 24-hour customer service environment by enabling remote and mobile access.

He continued: "It could be a competitive differentiator for those companies scrambling to push forward in a difficult economic environment."

Meanwhile, ComputerWeekly.com has recently reported that the credit crunch could lead to an increase in the number of IT outsourcing contract disputes.

It said law firm Pinsent Masons has suggested that the downturn could result in companies' major projects being delayed or even abandoned as organisations prioritise short-term cost-cuts over long-term investment.

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)