The ICT sector includes businesses that supply information technologies as well as firms that develop and publish software.

"Information technologies" refers to integration and subcontracting services in niches such as:

• integrated resource management;
• e-business;
• customer relations management;
• computer security;
• knowledge management; and
• supply chain management.

Businesses that provide information technologies are active in numerous fields, including health, manufacturing and logistics management, finance and public administration. They vary greatly in terms of size and offerings. Large international companies provide a wide array of products and services, while a large number of smaller firms target specific niches and focus on specialized products and services. All in all, they make up a highly innovative and dynamic industry.

Firms that develop and publish software design primarily:

• programs that meet the specific needs of an industry or profession (vertical applications);
• off-the-shelf software suitable for a number of businesses (word processing programs, spreadsheet software, accounting software, etc.).

The nearly 350 firms that develop and publish software generate close to $1.2 billion in revenues and employ over 6,100 people.