It covers topics such as general company information (products/services, certification, etc.), The IT Industry Barometer can help to monitor and evaluate the sector as well as provide statistical information for research and economic planning purposes. The IT Industry Barometer has already been applied by software associations in some developing and transition economies, such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. As the agency responsible for ICT sector measurement within the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development, UNCTAD intends to explore this possibility with relevant stakeholders in the coming year. In order to facilitate new start-up firms in this industry as well as the upgrading and growth of software SMEs, Governments can seek to ensure a competitive general business environment, promote upgrading through quality certification, improve access to finance and establish software or technology parks.