SMEs still see Internet as complex

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) must embrace technology if they are to keep pace with competitors, says Women in Technology.

According to a study conducted by the Cranfield School of Management, 97% of SMEs in the UK now have e-mail, while 84% have their own Web site.

However, the research also found that 46% of SMEs believed the Internet had made the day-to-day operations of business more complex.

Europe's largest network of SME support organisations has been launched, says Business Zone.

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) sees 500 contact points and 4 000 experienced staff coming together to help entrepreneurs with a wide range of issues including expanding into other EU countries, launching new products and accessing funding.

Available to companies of all sizes but focusing particularly on SMEs, EEN consists of research institutes, universities, technology centres and business and innovation development agencies.

Indian SMEs are rapidly moving ahead with growth in total IT spend over the past few years, says ITvar News.

Now there is evidence that growth in SME IT spend is set to continue at a robust 24%.

The Indian SME spend stands ahead of all BRIC countries with Russia, China and Brazil following at 22.9%, 20.4% and 19.4% respectively.