Posted: 01st Jul, 2003 By: MarkJ
The latest study from IDC claims that the total number of online Europeans will reach 200 million by 2004, which is a moderate jump from 184 million at the end of 2002:
The survey, which covers internet usage and eCommerce in Western, Central and Eastern Europe between 2002-2006, maintains that Germany is going to be the locus of change as the European internet epicentre moves east, from the UK to the accession states. Commercial connectivity is recognised as a significant driving factor here as strong Germanic ties with the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, particularly Poland (Germany is Poland's premier trading partner), will have a knock-on effect for viable IP-based services/providers in neighbouring countries.
Today, clear contrasts exist between the European regions and countries, the report suggests. While the West has grown to include over 43 per cent of the population in 2002, the CEE region reflects an internet population of just 13 per cent.The
Europemedia item states that eCommerce in Central and Eastern Europe will reach E2.1bn by 2006, while Western Europe will exceed E226bn.