Why does your business need to be on the Internet? In a word: information - the ability to send information, retrieve information and publish information.

I've heard it all before "We can do without the Internet." Yes, successful businesses have been run long before the advent of computers, fax machines, telephones, electricity and even indoor plumbing, but do you really want to send your clients to the company outhouse to save a little money?

So what can your business actually do with the Internet? One of the most widely used business applications is electronic mail or e-mail.

Nothing is faster for transporting documents and there is the added benefit of correcting the documents. I know, you could have that 30-page report printed, faxed to you, you could mark it up and then fax it back for corrections-but why? Why not correct it on your end and send it back. Its easier and they can't complain that they can't read your scribbles on the blurred, skewed fax.

E-mail is also a good alternative to the five-minute, detailed phone messages that your boss feels he needs to leave. If it is in writing, you can point out that clearly stated 50 copies, not 60 and you don't have to guess at the spelling on the unusual names or long phone numbers he keeps leaving (unless he can't spell either).

My boss even has the author and subject of each e-mail sent to his alphanumeric pager. Although this feature is not yet available in all areas, it will get there soon and can be quite handy.

Need to find some information? Check the Internet for the most current information on almost any topic.

You can look up the latest SEC filings, state and federal legislation, vendor price lists, competitor offerings and industry news. You can search for business and residential phone numbers, get instant directions to anywhere in the U.S. and check the weather there. You can also chat or video conference with industry leaders (or just corporate drolls), research the latest initial public offerings (IPOs) and make real-time stock transactions or travel reservations.

Need more reasons to get on the Internet? Due to low overhead and high volume, purchasing products off the Internet is usually less expensive and easier than calling it in to a catalog company or visiting the retail showroom. There is also usually a much greater selection on the Internet. The Internet has more stores selling more merchandise with much that can be found no where else. If it is a marketable product or service (and often even if it isn't) it is probably sold on the Internet. Don't worry credit card theft. Sites that are "secure" offer better protection and have had less problems than telephone orders and even in-person transactions.

Now to publishing. It goes without saying that if you sell products or services of any type on a statewide, national or international basis, you need to put those products or service offerings on a Website. Companies that ignore this opportunity are missing potential revenue now and will most likely lose existing revenue streams in the next few years (if they aren't already losing it to competitors).

But what if you are more regional in nature? You still need to put your information online for easy access by the local townspeople. Many times our company has ordered catering items right off online menus.

If you still think your product is not a good candidate for actual Internet sales then use it as an advertising and public relations vehicle. When someone calls about more information on a product or your company, refer to your Website. It is a great deal less expensive than sending out a brochure or packet, they get the information instantly, not next week when the mail arrives. It shows that your company recognizes that technology is important in business.

As another idea, consider publishing company technical or business manuals online. This lets your sales reps or technicians get to the latest information without boxes of expensive, outdated manuals. Don't worry, you can password-protect it from your competition.

So, if your business needs to send, retrieve or publish information, get on the Internet and use it. Stop making apologies for not having an e-mail address or a company Web site and get with technology.

Of course you can still get or send the information by telegraph and Pony Express, but wouldn't your business look a bit more professional working in this century.

By the way, feel free to cut this article out, photocopy it for as many executives and managers as needed to get the point across. You can even leave it anonymously with your favorite Dilbert cartoon stuck to if you'd like. Not responsible for employee strikes as a result of technology enlightenment.