It is virtually impossible to run a successful business without taking advantage of the Internet and information technology. With so much competition in today's market, many businesses are here today and gone tomorrow. The businesses that endure are those that use the Internet and information technologies. The Internet supports today's business world by providing effective communications. Communicating via email is not only cost-effective; it also happens at the right time, allowing a business to be in constant contact with its customers while carrying out other tasks. Previous forms of customer contact included direct mail and telephone conversations. The problem with the written letter was the time required. The letter had to be mailed, and then a few days would pass before the letter was delivered. However, telephone communication was a little faster, only if the person was in the office. Today, communication remains in our pockets. A vast majority of individuals have a smartphone on which they can make and receive calls, check emails and instant messages while responding quickly and accordingly. Online bulletin board communication is also a popular way to communicate via the Internet. In fact, this same curriculum benefits from this form of communication in our weekly discussion article. This article will be posted to the online discussion forum and read by classmates and our class instructor. In this program, the discussion forum is very useful for receiving feedback on ideas and concepts and in the business world; an online bulletin board may offer instructions, advice, or other general communications to its mass audience. Internet is also useful for logistically communicating with the customer...... middle of paper...... expensive way to promote and market a business. - The Internet and information technologies are now so much a part of our society that it is unimaginable to think of a world without them. The relationship between business and consumer can be greatly improved or diminished with a few keystrokes and a mouse click. Businesses need to realize the importance of the Internet in today's business world and also utilize its benefits effectively to enjoy long-term viability. (2012). Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Banking. Retrieved January 13, 2014 from http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/08/02/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-internet-banki-idINDEE87106320120802Nordmeyer, B. (2014). The high-level business impact of social media. Retrieved January 13, 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/highlevel-business-impact-social-media-38816.html