U.S. Small Business Internet 2010-2014 Forecast: Economic Challenges Take a Bite Out of Web Site Ownership and eCommerce Activity

This IDC study forecasts PC ownership, broadband Internet access, Web site ownership, and ecommerce activity in small businesses (firms with fewer than 100 employees) in the United States annually through 2014, with 2009 as the base year. Annual spending on Web hosting, site maintenance, and online services is also examined. The estimates for penetration for each of these technologies are presented for the end of each year in the forecast period.

"The world has changed dramatically for small businesses in the United States over the past 18 months," says Justin Jaffe, senior analyst, SMB Research at IDC. "Although many of the smallest firms have been forced to delay or scale back Internet-related investments, as the economy recovers, small businesses will increasingly leverage an online presence to acquire new customers, strengthen relationships with existing customers, compete more effectively with larger companies, and efficiently reach local, regional, national, and even international markets."