The creation and marketing of information has never been easier, cheaper or faster. The information can be issued throughout the world at the touch of a button, making for high profit margins. The era we live in today is known as the Information Age, and it taps into the emerging economies such as China and India as well as the established ones.

So what information can be sold? First, locate a need in the market and think of ways to distribute the information. Information can be bought as e-books, a web site, or downloadable software. Information on special interests, in the form of articles, reported surveys or user group newsletters all have a demand. Everything from 'How To Manuals' on home made wine to analyzing stock market movements.

Selling information is a very straightforward concept, without the need to spend ages getting a product through Research and Development, and then into an expensive production stage. You don't have to carry stock, so no boxes of engine parts or whatever will be cluttering up your attic. You just need a good idea, a computer, and basic computer knowledge. This is a business you can set up for next to nothing.

A good web site where your customers can log in and receive a prompt efficient service is vital. You need a secure site, which will process orders, payment and delivery. Looking after the customer online is just as important as working through any other medium, and they will expect delivery in a timely manner. Shipping the orders can really eat into the time, and therefore profits of a conventional business, so another advantage of selling information online is the simple ability to send everything via email.

The best thing is you can do all of this, sitting in your pajamas and drinking your coffee!