Why Use the Web?

The most basic question for the Web is: why should I use it?

It is true that using the Web offers many advantages, but a similar end-product can be achieved using more conventional paper formats. Nearly anyone anywhere can pick up a magazine or book for a few dollars. Viewing a Web page requires a computer, a browser program, multi-media plug-ins (both hardware and software), and some basic Web knowledge and skills. Where, then, is the advantage of using the Web?

General Advantages of Using the WWW

• Over 40 million people in over 100 countries use the Internet. Over 20 million people use the Web.

• Cost effective - business can reach more people for less money

• Web pages are easy to maintain, revise, and update

• 24/7 accessibility

• Perpetually evolving features such as striking graphics, interactive multimedia technology

Advantages of Publishing on the Web

• immediacy - a Web page can be created in a few hours and put on-line, where it is just as accessible as any other page

• interactivity - Web browsers view site at own pace, following own interests

• internationality - no borders, tariffs, regulations, language restrictions

• equality - from Fortune 500 companies' home pages to an MIT student's homepage - everyone has a voice

Using the Web for Business *

On a Web site, a company can:

i) Company Information
ii) Press Releases
iii) Sales Literature
iv) Technical Documentation and Specifications
v) Catalogs
vi) Announcements
vii) Testimonials
viii) Photographs and/or Video Demonstrating Products, Showing Company Site, or Key Company Personnel
ix) Personalized Messages through Digital Audio

i) E-mail and On-line E-mail Forms
ii) On-line Surveys and Questionnaires
iii) Web Site Tracking Software to Monitor the Interest in their Site

i) Sell Products and Services
ii) Make purchasing easy through the use of On-line Order Forms
iii) Reach New Markets
iv) Develop New Cross Marketing Relationships
v) Gain an Advantage Over the Competition
vi) Economically Test Market New Products