Technology companies urged to tailor solutions for SMEs.

The government is looking to increase broadband and technology adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by making it easier for them to start using technology.

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is conducting a call for collaboration, or CFC, for IT companies to customise one-stop technology solutions specifically for SMEs. IDA will then co-fund the costs of developing these offerings.

According to Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang, packages will include "entry-level infocomm needs such as hardware, internet connectivity, basic web development and office productivity software."

A recent IDA survey showed that most SMEs have not taken advantage of technology in their business to boost operational efficiency and outreach. 7 in 10 businesses with fewer than 200 employees do not have a Web presence.

IDA plans to issue the CFC by the end of the year, and CFC packages could make their debut by April 2008. IDA may even offer non-ICT (Information and Communication Technology) packages, such as company stamps, logo design and letterheads as well.