Montana Internet and Web Methods.

• Author: Polzin, Paul E.
• Position: Computer usage, survey by University of Montana. Bureau of Business and Economic Research - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research's Montana Poll tracks computer use, Internet access, and Web methods. By 2000, at least 55 percent of Montana households had a computer and at least 45 percent had Internet access (Figure 1). Montana computer ownership and Internet access equals the U.S. average.

Both Montana households and businesses now use Web methods. Most Web use is concentrated in the basic and intermediate levels. Montana businesses lead housholds in adopting intermediate and advanced Web methods (Table 1).

Paul Polzin is director of The University of Montana-Missoula Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Web Methods in Montana, 2000 (In Percent) Web All Home Level Method Households Businesses Basic Uses e-mail 39(+) 55(+) ↓ Searches Web to gather 40 59 information Accesses specs or technical information on Web Has Web site 4(+) 19 (+) Intermediate Purchases products, raw 20 35 materials or equipment on Web ↓ Provids Web-based or e-mail price quotes Enhanced own Web site (so that others may obtain info/specs) Takes customer orders from own Web site or via e-mail Banking, direct deposits, 9 15 or pays...