The internet may no longer be the main medium for streaming television services in the future following the announcement that the Sony PlayStation 3 would be offering BBC's iPlayer, one expert has highlighted.

Tim Gibbon, the founder of the Social Media Portal and director of Elemental Communications, explained that it is of particular significance that digital TV can be integrated with a games console.

He explained that Sony is confident that users of the console will be happy to connect with services such as iPlayer following reports that it will also be offering full-length content by the end of November, it could be a particularly lucrative option for investment - something which may interest small businesses in IT.

Mr Gibbon continued: "As media and entertainment becomes diverse in terms of content, delivery channels and accessibility, it is only natural that creators, broadcasters, technology providers and syndicators seek new platforms to reach audiences."

In his profession, Mr Gibbons and the Social Media Portal map global social media, social networks and user generated content (UGC), providing it as a resource for users.

In a recent survey of SMEs for Connect, the two most important benefits of outsourcing were guaranteed response times and allowing in-house IT staff to concentrate on more strategic issues.