The attractions of the online world for elderly people in society are increasing in number, according to an equal rights technology group.

Gill Adams, the information director at Digital Unite - an organisation helping people over 50 get into the world of computing - said that ageing generations are not forced by their working situation into using PCs, laptops and the internet, regularly leaving them behind.

However, many are mystified by it through relatives, with grandchildren, for example, introducing many people to the service.

She continued: "They've heard tell that you can get special deals on insurance and travel - apart from it being a whole bunch easier to book things online once you know how, you can also get 20 per cent off and you can even get fuel cheaper, which is a big issue for older people."

Ms Adams concluded that many older people are still overcoming the barrier of technology and "love" the internet, which will continue to be proved.

According to official statistics on August 28th, 64 per cent of over-65s have never used the internet.

In a recent survey of SMEs for Connect, the two most important benefits of outsourcing were guaranteed response times and allowing in-house IT staff to concentrate on more strategic issues.