The Internet: Connecting your business to the world.
In the early ’90s, politicians talked about building an “information superhighway.” Then to the surprise of almost everyone, it became clear that that highway already existed. It was the Internet. What’s happened since has been breathtaking: a major shift in the way business does business. In fact, it seems that everybody is jumping on this “cyber-bandwagon.”
Should your business join them? If so, when and how?
The answers to those questions shortly. But first, let’s define some terms. To begin with, what is the Internet? Simply put, it is a vast global network made up of thousands of other computer networks and databases, all able to share information because they all use TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). In a sense, “they speak the same language.”
The Internet was created in the ’60s and ’70s by academic and government computer experts as a way to share mostly text-based information. Even today, most of the Internet is text-based information. Part of the Internet, however, links servers that can also share graphics, video, and sound files: it is called the World Wide Web (WWW).
Here are some other terms you’ll likely encounter:
Web site: with a unique name and address (www.yourcompany.com) {That’s what this is ;)}, a Web site consists of one or more Web pages. The first page is called the home page.
Browser: special interactive software packages that allow you to locate, view, and work with Web-based information. (i.e. Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator).
HTML: hypertext markup language, the simple programming code used to post information on Web sites.
Search Engines: software programs that allow you to search Internet databases by entering keywords. (i.e. Google, Yahoo, Lycos)
Bandwidth: the amount and speed of data sent through your connection determined by the speed of your modem or router. (Test your connection speed here!)
ISP (Internet service provider): an institution that provides access to the Internet, as distinct from an online service such as America Online or Compuserve.
Router: a special-purpose device or software package that handles the connection between or more networks.
There’s no question that the Internet is the most comprehensive, easily accessible information resource in history. It offers a wealth of information specific to whatever business or industry you are in. And, it is the fastest, most economical way to communicate and distribute information — around the world, around the clock. With the Internet access, your business can harness the power of information to become more effective, and reduce operating costs by streamlining communication with your employees, customers, and vendors. You also have access to extensive business resources, such as banking services and information from the Small Business Administration and other organizations.
As for your own Web site, more and more people are using the Web to locate vendors and service providers. They are already purchasing everything from software and real estate. As online financial transactions become more secure, the Web will become the world’s shopping center. Through your Web site, you can dramatically extend your marketing reach, offer additional services, and compete with the largest organizations. This can increase revenues, with a low cost of sales. (Read our special report“Why every business should be an e-business”)
Korma can help you find the right Internet solution for your business and guide you in the development of a Web site.