With growing broadband penetration and Web-ready cellular phones or handheld computers, IDC predicts Filipino Internet users to number over 21 million by 2008. Worldwide last year, more than 1 billion people had access to the Internet with the largest concentration in Asia-Pacific at 315 million.

Overall, Chua said IT is now an integral part of any business as it is no longer possible to transact, market, and pay taxes, among other things without using IT.

'The government is also helping drive IT growth not only by promoting the country as a BPO center but also by starting to adopt IT in transactions like tax filing or license applications and establishing information portals.

Chua said technology companies are also reviewing their business strategies to efficiently respond to market needs while acknowledging that competition will make IT products and services more affordable and, in turn, drive market growth.

He said COMDDAP, as an IT advocacy group, is also helping members achieve their growth targets by continuously promoting IT awareness throughout the country and lobbying with government agencies to improve IT trade.