The use of the Internet has exploded in recent years. Using the net has become an indispensable tool for some small businesses. Some small businesses only exist on the internet, for example, an online book store. There isn't a large warehouse someplace with every book imaginable, but there are customer service representatives that take the order from the internet and have the publisher send the book directly to the customer. The online book store acts as a sort of middle man in this instance.

The internet is great for the small business that needs to outsource parts of their operation. Some of these outsourced jobs are: payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. It makes things so much easier for the small business owner to rely on experts to do some of the work. The internet makes it easy because the outsourcing company can be anywhere in the world and with all communications done on the net it is very convenient for all those involved. It also allows someone with the right authorization the ability to look at any aspect of the business any place they might be, as long as they have an internet connection.

The internet also makes it possible to have meetings with clients or vendors anywhere in the world. There can be multiple party conferences from many locations to view presentations or be part of a decision making process. This is a great way to save time and money when a face to face meeting isn't really necessary. The costs associated with travel can be large, not just the cost of a plane ticket, but the loss of productivity from having someone gone. When someone is traveling there is usually another worker who has to pick up the slack that is left behind. It is almost like paying two people to do one job.

There are many different controls and security that has to be established when a company chooses to do business online. There might be sensitive company information that everyone does not need to be able to access. This is when security levels need to be established. For most workers a low level of security is required so they can have access to the areas that concern the tasks they perform. But for people in the higher levels of the company it is necessary to give them clearance to all information. This is also a good way to monitor the activities of the employees. There are many ways to control security. There are different passwords or there is even tougher screening like using a thumb print or retina scan. The company has to determine what the most appropriate method is for them.