‘Internet use in companies up’ says DTI

Two out of five large companies now operate a site on the World Wide Web, according to a survey sponsored by the Department of Trade & Industry.

A growing number of medium-and small-sized companies are also investing in sites, according to the survey, which estimates that just under 20 per cent of all companies with computer facilities operate a site.

The survey shows that e-mail and information gathering are the main uses of the Net for connected firms.

But advertising and online purchasing are also significant reasons for using the Internet. A smaller number of firms – one in ten – claim to offer online sales through the Net.

“The importance of the Internet as a new marketing and communications medium is reflected in investment in sites on the Web,” according to the report. “For many companies, this activity is still experimental, but nearly half of those with a site judge this medium to be important.”