Changing
Use of Internet by Small Businesses Points to New Opportunities
for Technology Suppliers [May 9, 2005]
FRAMINGHAM,
Mass., May 09, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The changing
ways that small businesses are using the Internet point
to new opportunities for technology suppliers. According
to a new study from IDC, Internet penetration is up
and the share of small firms with Web sites has grown
dramatically. As the Internet becomes more integral
to small business operations, more advanced capabilities
such as tracking site performance and providing access
to more comprehensive resources for visitors will be
of interest to those looking to the Internet for support
of a wide range of business activities.
"The Internet has become a critical
communications and promotional resource for the largest
share of small businesses, changing the way they reach
customers and prospects," said Raymond Boggs, vice
president, Small/Medium Business research at IDC. "Small
business spending on Web hosting alone is growing by
9.5% annually and will top $7.4 billion by 2009."
Among key findings discussed in this
study are the following:
-- Internet access will become more
widespread and roughly 80% of all small businesses will
have Internet access by the end of 2009
-- Internet use for promotional purposes
will continue to increase and five out of six online
small businesses will have a home page by 2009
-- Online selling, while increasingly
easy to implement, will remain relatively rare and only
a quarter of small businesses will use ecommerce by
the end of the planning period
IDC's new study, U.S. Small Business
Internet 2005-2009 Forecast: Continuing Growth of Online
Access, Online Promotion, and Online Selling, (IDC #33047)
examines the changing use of the Internet through 2009
by small businesses - firms with under 100 employees.
Forecasts are provided for the number of online small
businesses, along with the number of firms with high-speed
Internet access, home pages, and ecommerce. Estimates
of total spending for Web site hosting are also included.
To purchase this document, call IDC's
Sales hotline at 508-988-7988 or email sales@idc.com.
About
IDC
IDC
is the premier global market intelligence and advisory
firm in the information technology and telecommunications
industries. We analyze and predict technology trends
so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions
on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC
analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and
insights on technology markets. Business executives
and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice
to make decisions that contribute to the success of
their organizations.
IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's
leading technology media, research, and events company.
Additional information can be found at www.idc.com
All product and company names may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
SOURCE: IDC |
