ISPs get SME boost

NEWS Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are enjoying an avalanche of opportunities created by increasing numbers of small businesses getting online, according to the latest IDC report. The report titled: Small Business ISP Sales Channels, released yesterday, claims ISPs are moving beyond basic services to offer advanced schemes including high-speed access, virtual private networks and some voice services. But researchers also said the ISPs are finding their telecommunications and technology experience too limited to back up the advanced services they would like to offer. As a result many of these companies are forging links with traditional computing suppliers including value-added-resellers (VARs), local exchange carriers and computing equipment suppliers, to fill the technology gaps.