Internet e-mail is simpler and cheaper, but you won't get integrated calendaring, scheduling, database functionality or applications.

Internet e-mail is simpler and cheaper, but you won't get integrated calendaring, scheduling, database functionality or applications,

Assuming the survey results are accurate, this indicates that many companies do not yet recognize e-mail as an important mode of communication. Responding to an e-mail within one to five days is reasonable. Anything longer should be considered excessive and a sign that the company is not truly open for business on the Web.

E-mail has faced its challengers -- viruses, spam, regulations -- and emerged with its reputation bruised, but intact. Except among teens and young adults and inside certain fast-paced work environments, e-mail is staying ahead of instant messaging in terms of usage.

Internet mail headers are not unlike giblets.

The survey found that 78 percent of customers were willing to use mail or the Internet to renew. However, most did not realize that was possible. Clearly, we need to educate the public on alternative renewal methods, and devise better means of processing services.