However, most companies interviewed also acknowledged that their worries about connection speeds are short-lived since developments in the telecommunications network infrastructure are growing at a fast pace in most parts of Asia.

Cloud computing will have a bigger impact in the near future, according to Lee. "The current volatile market conditions in the manufacturing sector have ignited new interest in cloud as more companies are now looking for shorter term return on investments (ROI), which is one of the chief benefits of the cloud," he said.