it covers topics such as general company information productsservices 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 startup 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