Other than a heavier emphasis on online sources and services, I didn't learn anything here that wasn't covered in my graduate school courses back in the 1970s. There is routine advice on profiling your users and designing the service, and a brief chapter on using external services. The bulk of the book is case studies. The book does serve to remind us of sources that may not be in our daily repertoire but that deserve to be included. The number of products discussed is limited, but the amount of information on each product is extensive and includes illustrations.
All information is descriptive rather than evaluative.
For those of us who consume a daily diet of technology, it's hard to imagine anyone not having email. But, for the uninitiated, this is a thorough book that is sensitive to the new and nonuser and not only covers the technology involved, but the pitfalls and peculiar etiquette of emailing. Sections covering the more technical aspects are appropriate for the beginner, and it is the only book I've seen on the subject that addresses the special problems of people who don't know how to type. Once you get past the cover hype, this book takes an honest look at the potential for businesses to use and benefit from the Internet. In case you decide to proceed, there is a checklist of what you'll need and information on how much it will cost.