Article Abstract:
The World Wide Web is the most interesting communications innovation since the crystal radio, and it allows users to join adventurers on Mount Everest and in other exotic locales. The first Internet-related attempt to climb Everest occurred in May 1995, when a group of climbers, led by Scott Fischer, posted diaries and progress reports as they tried to scale the mountain. Web users could not only see digital pictures and hear sound clips from the group, they could also enter Usenet news groups discussions about the climb and find information on the mountain and Himalayan culture. When a blizzard trapped several members of the party, Web users around the world could follow the rescuers' decision about which climbers would be saved and which could not be. The site commemorating the first Internet attempt on the mountain is at http://www.nbc.com/everest/. The National Geographic Online site will let visitors follow divers searching for gold or read about the finding of a 500-year-old Incan mummy.
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Article Abstract:
The personal finance magazines Money and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazines establish Web sites, in moves that recognize the importance of the Internet. The personal finance magazine industry is particularly vulnerable to competitors who can provide current information in a rapid fashion, instead of forcing subscribers to wait for monthly issues. The Kiplinger's site posts updates to a feature story, but the narrow focus of the site seems to be defeating its purpose. Money's offers an outstanding site at http://pathfinder.com/money, including a daily article that changes six times a week and that typically is not printed in the magazine. The articles contain hot links that connect users with more information on the companies and people that appear in the article. A Sound Advice feature gives daily news briefs and offers investing tips from the magazine's editors. Both sites include stock quotes.
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Article Abstract:
Successful companies can benefit from electronic commerce only through skilled planning and organization. Business electronic commerce is effective when a company considers it as part of its response to the information age. Internet commerce between companies will surge from $8 billion in 1997 to $327 billion in goods and services, according to Forrester Research. Electronic commerce can benefit companies in three respects. The technology enables companies to become competitive in new areas without having to establish a physical presence. Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments are among the companies that also understood financial products as mostly commodities, which customers value for their services. Second, electronic commerce can enable companies to offer new services. Electronic commerce also can force company innovations that result in a more customer-oriented approach.
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