Now, with faxes, e-mail, and the Internet, the other side calls you 20 minutes after they send you something to ask what you think of it. Quicker decisions are not usually better ones, just quicker ones. The stress created by this time compression is the No. 1 factor behind the large-scale dissatisfaction among attorneys. I'm not sure that I agree with Mr. Gates on the next four years' being barren in terms of profitability for businesses on the Internet. It's still in its early growth stage, but, make no mistake about it, it's going to be essential to Net-based profits.
Advertising is the obvious revenue piece here.
Customer Service, including supportive interaction, has been underestimated as a core piece of the on-line business model. Those who use it wisely by ensuring feedback and support mechanisms for their customers will guarantee themselves repeat visits and repeat sales. Using the three C's will ensure profitability for smart businesses long before Bill G.'s prediction of four years. Without those forces, it would not be possible for new organizations to take over the government's role and permit millions of people to be freer and have a better life during their last years. Digitization will be widely applied in the next five years.