E-business information technology in small and medium sized enterprises in rural eastern Kentucky a preliminary survey

This paper presents results of a pilot study assessing the prevalence and functionality of e-business and e-commerce information technology (EEIT) initiatives within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a rural, isolated region. Attitudes that business owners in the region have about the value and use of EEIT within their businesses were also assessed. Perceived barriers to implementation of EEIT in the region are discussed. The pilot survey's results show: 1) EEIT implementations are currently seen primarily as alternative channels for current business methods: the surveyed businesses are at early stages of the technology adoption model. 2) The most significant barrier to the implementation of EEIT appears to be a limited understanding of the capabilities and applications of the technologies.