The most tedious tasks for applicants are printing and collating the letters and address labels, and labeling and stuffing the envelopes. Since this procedure is performed primarily by applicants and secretaries, its inconvenience is often unappreciated by professors. This lengthy procedure is entirely eliminated by electronic methods, which are instantaneous in application as well as transmission. Electronic application is easier at both ends of the procedure, especially when the Web is used. More work invariably not only wastes time and causes delays, but also increases the chance for error.
Electronic filing is cheaper, saving costs on paper, ink, postage, and time.
It also saves trees. Some recommenders, and even a few applicants, have complained of the inconvenience of sending their letters electronically. It is hard to understand this complaint in view of item 3 above. Ironically, all these complaints were typed electronically, although perhaps not by the signer. They are also almost always done in LaTeX, which is certainly gratuitous for an application.