These are the strategic capabilities of the Internet.

Geographic barriers don't matter anymore

Capture information about business transactions from remote locations. This provides better customer service by reducing delay in filling orders and improves cash flow by speeding up the billing of customers. For example - Use the Internet and Extranet to transmit customer orders from travelling salespeople to a corporate data centre for order processing and inventory control.

No barrier of time

Provide information to remote locations immediately after it is requested. Credit inquiries can be made and answered in seconds. For example - Credit authorization at the point of sale using online POS networks.

Reduced cost of Operation

Reduce the cost of more traditional means of communication. This reduces expensive business trips; allows customers, suppliers, and employees to collaborate, thus improving the quality of decisions reached. For example - Desktop video-conferencing between a company and its business partners using the Internet, Intranet and Extranet.

Overcome structural barriers

Support linkages for competitive advantage. Fast, convenient services lock in customers and suppliers. For example - Business-to-business electronic commerce websites for transactions with suppliers and customers using the Internet and Extranet.