The study, which was released to coincide with the first eG8 conference held between 24 and 25 of May in Paris, finds that internet use is growing everywhere and in every sector of society. This growing, the study states, is still in its infancy. In more developed countries, like the UK and Sweden, the internet accounts for 6% of the GDP but in most countries it is still under 4% which shows that internet use still has much to grow.

Internet Matters also correlates internet with job creation. The report says that 2.6 jobs are created for every one that is destroyed by the internet. An analysis of the French economy has shown that the internet has created 1.2 million jobs over the last 15 years while is has destroyed 500,000.

The internet as a major factor in increasing productivity

According to the report, for which were surveyed more than 4,800 SMEs, those that use the internet in their business practices grow and export twice as much as those with a small or none internet use. The study also shows that SMEs with an heavy use of Web technologies also created twice the number of jobs than their counterparts.

But the number of the companies with a high use of Web technologies still accounts for only 27% of all the companies studied, meaning that only 27% of the 4,800 SMEs are taking advantage of the benefits and the growth the internet gives to its users. According to the study, 42% of the companies reported a low Web-intensity and 31% reported medium Web-intensity.

Curiously the report also finds that the countries with a higher percentage of companies with a high web-intensity implemented practices are also those to which the internet contributes a greater portion of the GDP.

Online tools to increase productivity

This means that most companies aren’t still taking advantage of all the internet has to offer and of the Web tools and productivity enhancing technological solutions available in the market. Tools like the RHUB 4 in 1 Webconferencing software have been proved to improve productivity in companies in every sector of the market while, at the same time, it cuts down costs.

Webconferencing tools increase productivity by improving communication between and among the several departments, increasing work flow, collaboration without any employee having to leave his work place. These tools also allow employees to access their work place from home and allow them to attend seminars without leaving their workplace, reducing costs and time spent on dislocations.

While it is true that hosting a web conference is not a major challenge, to be able to use the meeting tools to it fullest capabilities, the technology has to be understood. New customers are often wary of new technology and might shy away from adopting a new system. Below are commonly asked questions which address the concerns many potential users of web meeting software may have:

1. What exactly is a web conference? It is the ability to host a live meeting via the Internet. It offers real time discussions online often involving people from various locations, sometimes the audience is spread across continents.
2. Is it safe to use? This is a perfectly understandable concern as many operating system vulnerabilities are exposed by going online. With web conferencing, this is no different since despite the best efforts, unauthorized persons can sometimes enter a meeting. This kind of intrusion is extremely rare. The majority of users can rest assured that their computer firewalls and internal network security settings offer adequate protection.
3. Is it expensive? Utilizing technology has a cost, but web meeting software pays for itself due to the cost savings it generates. The web meeting option chosen depends on a company’s specific needs and its budget. With this in mind, many providers offer attractive options that are within the reach of even small businesses.
4. What features do I get? For the most part, basic features are the same across the board regardless of provider. These include live chat, webcam viewing and PowerPoint presentations. The differences arise with issues like guaranteed number of attendance, audio and video quality, image sharpness and speed of data transmission. When web meeting software options are compared, the differences quickly become apparent.
5. What equipment is needed? Access to the Internet is essential for the deployment of web meeting software. Other useful pieces of equipment include speakers, headphones and microphone and sometimes a web camera. Downloads are not always necessary, as there are hosted web conference options online. Many companies may choose to use appliances which eliminate monthly user fees.

Today it takes very little time to set up a web conference. Web meeting software is experiencing increased market awareness as more companies seek ways to cut costs. There is a wealth of information online about these products and the associated benefits.

But despite its lacking in some areas, there is definitely potential with iPad being an on-the-go work tool. A portable device coveted by road warriors and frequent travelers. Given its crisp and vibrant 9.7 inch display, and a 1024×768 screen resolution, the iPad is great for browsing online and reading documents. There is already announcement made by companies about creating a remote access app for the iPad, so you will be able to access your desktop with all the different applications running on it.

But for those who are not looking for a replacement to their laptops, and will be using the iPad for mostly reading books and browsing the web, the lack of flash support is a major drawback. For business users who are frequently on the road and need to attend meeting and seminars online, they would still need their laptops in order to attend as many online conferencing services requires flash and downloads to run.

RHUB’s universal attendance technology allows for anyone to join a meeting as long as they can open up a browser and have access to the internet. And for those concerned with a lack of flash support on the iPad, not to worry. RHUB’s web-based viewing support both flash and non-flash users. So as long you’re connected to the internet, whether through Wi-Fi or the more costly 3G option, you will be able to attend meetings and webinars, guaranteed. Now whether or not you’ll be able to get connection on the AT&T network is a whole other problem.

What are your thoughts, will you be getting an iPad?