Don't Leave Home Without It : And It's Not My Credit Card

It used to be that when you walked out of the door, you'd be sure to take your wallet with you. And your credit card. And some cash. That's no longer true. In a recent IDC survey sponsored by Nortel, less than 30% of respondents worldwide chose their wallet when asked which item they would take with them if they had to leave their house for 24 hours.

Given a choice of their wallet, MP3 player, laptop or keys, over 38% of global respondents chose their mobile phone. In Latin America, specifically, that rose to over 50% of those who answered the question.

Those who were defined as hyperconnected chose their laptop over their mobile phone. Hyperconnected people are those who have a full range of communications devices and software applications for use in their business and private lives. According to the survey, 16% of workers worldwide use a minimum of 7 communications devices for work, and at least 7 applications such as social networks, text messaging and chat software.

Closely following on their heels are the second group of 36% of workers who are "increasingly connected" rather than hyperconnected. They use at least 4 devices for work and at least 6 communications applications.

The study predicts that the percentage of hyperconnected business users will trend towards 40% in the next 5 years.You can real the full details of the survey here.

So what does this trend mean for the world of ecommerce?

Simple really. Wallets are on their way out. Mobile phones and laptops are in. You don't need a credit card or cash to pay for things anymore. Just whip out your phone or power up your laptop and you can buy pretty much anything you want. Choices for online purchasing are a dime a dozen, but be careful, choose the one that makes you feel the most safe and secure. Do your research carefully and remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.