According to data from British firm Netcraft, 30 million new Web sites made their debut in 2008, a 17 percent increase over the previous year, Le Figaro reported Monday.

There are now 186.7 million web sites around the globe. In 2007, there was a 40 percent growth of new Internet outlets since 2006, which brought about the millionth Web site.

Last year, online advertising investments reached US$49.8 billion, according to ZenithOptimedia, owned by Publicis Groupe.

This year, Internet advertising expenditure is predicted to escalate by 19 percent, Le Figaro reported. ZenithOptimedia noted that by 2011 online ad spend may represent 15.6 percent of the global marketing field.