An annual survey of information technology practices in the industry has been released and communication tops the list of key issues.

The ZweigWhite, 2002 Information Technology & E-Business Survey of A/E/P & Environmental Consulting Firms found 64% of the 135 firms responding to a 188-item survey in January and February reported improvements to communications and connectivity as their biggest IT successes. But 27% reported problems with remote access and communications as their biggest IT failure.

A five-year trend toward more complex office networking continues. Every firm responding has at least one local area network and 94% have at least one leased-line, full-time Internet connection. All but 5% have public Websites. Some 49% report plans to implement a network or intranet this year. The report can be ordered from www.zweigwhite.com for $275.