DEUS - European SMEs use of the Internet
DEUS (Developing European SMEs) was a project supported by the Community's ESPRIT programme. The project has recently completed a "Study of European SMEs adoption of the Internet". The study aimed to gather information on the use of the Internet by SMEs in Europe. In particular, it looked at small and micro-businesses. Thus far, the study found, the Internet has penetrated very few micro-businesses. A variety of reasons for this were identified: - Internet is perceived as being for technologists only; - The cost of set-up and use are perceived as too high; - Many SMEs do not have the necessary technical skills in-house for set-up and maintenance, and specialized help for SMEs is rarely available and expensive; - The time taken to use the Internet is not available in SMEs, and many people do not have the necessary knowledge to use it effectively; - The lack of organization on the Internet makes it difficult for SMEs to use. Therefore, the study suggests that by pooling SMEs into groups with shared problems and conditions, it becomes easier to help them adopt Internet solutions in their business. By focusing actions on target groups of SMEs, DEUS has, in partnership with local chambers of commerce in a pilot action, been able to demonstrate the viability of this course.