Intel believes there will be continuing high levels of demand for personal computers, despite the economic downturn seen in several countries, it has emerged.

The world's biggest microchip-producer is optimistic about the state of the market for low-cost computers and broadband wireless systems, Reuters has reported.

Intel chairman Craig Barrett indicated there is hope of only limited international effects from the US slowdown, as a number of economies have not yet seen an impact.

According to the news provider, Mr Barrett commented: "The world's economy is not as robust as it could be, but it's not a disaster."

In addition, he said there is "a huge opportunity" to extend the use of digital technology in healthcare settings, suggesting that such growth could take place "not just in the back-office but in remote diagnostics".

The external affairs director at Equifax Neil Munroe recently suggested that retailers may well be increasingly using the internet in an effort to survive the credit crunch.

Making better use of IT services by increasing web-based sales can be a "very cost-effective" means of doing business, he added.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)