INSTRUCTOR, MARK MCLINTOCK UNIVERISTY OF PHOENIX, HOUSTON CAMPUS The internet application called the World Wide Web (WWW) is one of the best technological tools that is making a significant impact on marketing. The Internet is a "web of more than 2.2 million computers linked by telephone to over 32,4000 connected computer networks and is accessible in 135 countries and territories" (Kotler). This medium provides a relatively inexpensive way for companies to advertise their products to millions of people, twenty-fours hours a day. It also opens up the home-shopping market and gives consumers easier access to international markets. It is convenient for customers because they can order products wherever they are, and they do not have to cope with things like traffic, parking spaces and useless trips when items are out of stock. (Kotler). Consumers can also compare information about different or competing companies with ease because the information is literally at their fingertip. Consumers do not have to deal directly with sales people and be pressured into making purchases. Companies can also stay in touch with their customers and suppliers by creating web pages and setting up internet addresses to receive e-mail from customers worldwide. The world wide web also provides a quick way to link employees to remote offices or intranets that may need to formulate and develop marketing plans and strategies. The communication links to these offices also offers the ability to distribute information from sales or other important company information quicker, which could result in better decision making. Kotler, Philip Marketing Management, 6th edition, Prentice-Hall, International,1988 ... ...
