Offer It and They Will Come...Cheap Internet Services

Re: Hof, Robert D., The Power of Us: Mass collaboration on the Internet is shaking up business, Business Week Online, June 20, 2005.

The internet really is shaking up big business in a big way. The example of the internet phone system is just one example of how an online society is utilizing loop holes and systems to cuts corners on otherwise expensive services, such as CD copying, long distance phone calls, file sharing, and even car rentals. This type of online service reminds me of my use of Zip Car, an online rental car service. For just $25 a year you can become a member of Zip Car and rent cars located throughout DC for a small hourly fee. The fee includes gas, insurance and other taxes. It is an amazing, low price deal for renting a car - beating large car rental placed like Hertz or Budget. The bottom line is that society is starting to utilize the functions that make the internet so attractive - cheaper services whenever you need them - services at your finger tips.

Big business should be taking note of this new internet business trend, not only because it is cutting into their bottom line, but because it shows market vulnerabilities and even new methods to provide cheaper, more efficient means of conducting services.

I only hope big business does not try to shut down and regulate those internet businesses that are providing the cheaper services. As they say, build it and they will come - regulate it and it will close!