This IDC study examines the changing use of the Internet through 2008 by small businesses, firms with under 100 employees. Forecasts are provided for the number of online small businesses, along with the number of firms with high-speed Internet access, home pages, and ecommerce. Estimates of total spending for Web site hosting are also included.

According to Raymond Boggs, IDC vice president, Small/Medium Business and Home Office Research, "The Internet has become a critical communications and promotional resource for the largest share of small businesses, changing the way they reach customers and prospects. Small business spending on Web hosting alone is growing by 9.5% annually and will top $7.4 billion by 2009."