Text messaging is becoming a key business tool, with more than 60 per cent of UK firms using it.

According to research from the Mobile Data Association (MDA), short message service (SMS) is being considered as an alternative to mobile email for workers out and about.

The association estimates that 50 million text messages are sent every day in the UK.

Nearly 80 per cent of business users said they would use text messaging instead of establishing wireless email connections if they were away from their PC.

Mike Short, chairman of the MDA, said SMS use was set to rise still further because the UK workforce is becoming more mobile, and because customers and employees are increasingly demanding more information.

"The survey demonstrates that businesses understand that text messaging can play a vital role in the working practices of any organisation and should not be ignored as a useful business tool," Short said.