All of us are more than familiar with the hyperbole of how investments in technology
have generated unprecedented gains in productivity and increased the levels of connectivity
between Asia-Pacific companies. It is without a doubt that information and communication technology (ICT) has enabled the small, medium, and micro enterprises’ (SMME)1
networks to become more integrated and more effective across longer distances, operating
with more efficiency and conducting transactions in greater volume. However, it must be
noted that in reality, the small businesses that constitute the bulk of developing economies
have yet to reap these benefits evenly, as obtaining such opportunities rest largely upon
the ability of its SMMEs to engage in the regional and global economic business networks which, in turn, demands provision of a prerequisite level of access to and use of
ICT.