E-inclusion is a social movement whose goal is to end the digital divide , a term used to describe the fact that the world can be divided into people who do and people who don't have access to - and the capability to use - modern information technology ( IT ). According to advocates, e-inclusion has the power to: close the gap between developed and less developed countries; promote democracy and mutual understanding; and empower disadvantaged individuals, such as the poor, the disabled, and the unemployed.

An increasing number of computer equipment and software companies have e-inclusion programs. According to Hewlett-Packard, the purpose of their e-inclusion initiative is "... to close the gap between the technology-empowered communities and the technology-excluded communities on our planet by making it profitable to do so." The company's program is targeting low-income areas in the developing world to improve opportunities for education, healthcare, and employment and deliver access to world markets and consumer credit.

21 Sep 2005