Worldwide Internet Users to Surpass 600 Million by End of 2002: IDC
February 19, 2002 (TOKYO) -- More than 600 million people will access the Internet worldwide, spending more than US$1 trillion by the end of 2002, according to a study by International Data Corp. released on Feb. 12.
Internet users range widely, where once there had been a similar profile. Users connect from PCs, Web TVs, PDAs and mobile phones and how they connect depends on their technology orientation and policies of the local country, says the report.
Internet becomes reflections of worldwide variations, says Carol Glasheen, program vice president of IDC's Global Research Organization. "Consequently, businesses utilizing the Internet must understand the variations and complexities of Internet use in each country if they are to capture the vast opportunity afforded by the 'Internet Mosaic,'" she added
According to IDC's research, worldwide e-commerce spending grew 68 percent between 2000 and 2001, despite the economic recession and political unrest, reaching more than US$600 billion in 2001. IDC forecasts that e-commerce spending will pass the US$1 trillion mark in 2002. Growth in all regions will be strong, but the factors behind that growth vary by region by country.
Other key findings from IDC's study:
-- The Internet has become part of U.S. culture, with approximately 80 percent of the population using the Internet at least once per month by 2006.
-- The common currency in Western Europe will ultimately result in increased price transparency, enhanced competition, and better offers for online buyers.
-- IT vendors are already enabling distributors and resellers to order products via Web-based systems in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
-- Mobile phone usage remains high in Asia Pacific, but mobile commerce will take time to achieve potential.
-- Amid the changing IT environment, Japanese consumers are embracing the Internet in droves. The number of Internet buyers is also naturally growing, despite Japanese consumers being the most sensitive to security issues when it comes to making purchases online.
Related link: News release of IDC study |
