OTTAWA - Small businesses have caught up to their large counterparts when it comes to adopting basic technologies such as e-mail and Internet use, says a new study by Statistics Canada. However, new gaps have appeared as larger businesses have been quicker to use more complex technologies such as websites, and intranets.

While small businesses have come a long way, they may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the future as larger businesses have more resources and funds to experiment with these newer technologies.

The study looked at technology usage from 1999 to 2002. Here is a look at the statistics

• Computer use among small businesses rose from 79 per cent to 84 per cent. Growth was stagnant among larger businesses.
• Internet use among small businesses rose from 59 per cent in 2000 to 73 per cent in 2002. Growth was stagnant among larger businesses.
• High-speed Internet was more common in larger business as of 2002 with 84 per cent using it, compared to 56 per cent of small businesses.
• Company websites were more common in larger businesses as of 2002 with 77 per cent having one, compared to 27 per cent of small businesses.
• Online purchasing is becoming more popular among small businesses, as this number increased from 16 per cent in 1999 to 29 per cent in 2002.
• Online selling and e-commerce continues to be rare among small businesses, with seven per cent making online sales in 1999, and 16 per cent making online sales in 2002.
• More small businesses are buying online. In 1999 only 16 per cent reported online purchasing, by 2002 this number rose to 29 per cent.

Statistics Canada defined small businesses as those with 19 or less employees, while large businesses had over 100 employees. The manufacturing sector was an exception and classified as large when there were over 500 employees.

The study is available online at http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/11-621-MIE/11-621-MIE2004009.htm.