Abstract
The trajectory of beneficial use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Hungary, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine is analysed, especially in industry. With respect to telecom access, availability, affordability and uptake indicators, the four countries are generally behind EU cohesion countries. Between the four countries, there are huge differences in development of information society services. In industry, the use of information technologies usually has not attained the phase in which they are most rewarding. Among the most important barriers to a beneficial use of computer networking in industry are the attitude of management, lack of financial resources and a lack of facilitative environment for enterprises. ICT usage is rarely part of a long-term development stratery of the firm