"This is particularly so in under-developed countries - as investors, technology companies and Governments in those areas continue in their efforts to ensure they stand a chance of competing in an IT enabled world," she said. Hayes claimed the current figures for the number of global Internet users sit at about 2.11 billion, doubling since 2007 and only accounting for 30 per cent of the world's population -- which leaves wide room for further growth.

The full 2012 census results will be published in Q3, 2012 and census research continues until July 27. DatacenterDynamics Intelligence is donating $5 to the international childrens' charity UNICEF for every census survey completed.