The survey will be conducted by telephone within the next few weeks to question around 800 companies. It is expected that the survey's findings will help the government to develop a database of information for international businesses interested in setting up online operations on the Island. The survey will also help the government to decide on which measures it will adopt in order to further progess e-commerce in Bermuda.

In a statement from the government, Ms Webb said: 'This survey is an important component of the e-Business National Plan we are developing to take forward the development of e-business on the Island. It is clearly important to local business, whether in the hospitality, retail, finance or construction sectors as well as Government, that we are seen to be leaders in the e-business field.'

'I would thus urge all business to cooperate in this phone survey so that we are able to gain a comprehensive picture on the needs and aspirations of our businesses,' she added. 'E-business is much more than simply having a web site or selling goods to customers online, it is about gradual transformation of businesses so that all the different components, from marketing through invoicing to staff training and development are e-enabled.'