UK IT departments must become more flexible if British companies are to meet the demands of the 21st century business environment, one expert has made clear.

Mark Templeton, chief executive of enterprise software firm Citrix, suggests that implementing more flexible working practices, such as enabling staff to operate from their own homes, will be important for businesses aiming to survive and to be successful over the coming years.

Addressing delegates at the recent Citrix iForum, Mr Templeton said that enhancing flexibility is the way for companies around the world to maintain their competitive edge, ZDnet reports.

Mr Templeton is quoted as saying: "Assume every user is mobile. Assume every location is a branch, assume every point-of-access is hostile.

"If you make these assumptions and work towards building an environment based on these assumptions you will be far better prepared."

Last month, Centrix launched its GoToMyPC service, which is designed to enhance homeworking capabilities and enable easier remote access to individual PCs.