Synopsis
Covers international regulations, copyright, online partnerships, customer privacy, security, consultant selection, and avoiding lawsuits, fraud, and sabotage.
From the Author
Being "Less@Risk" When Using the Internet for BusinessCLICKING THROUGH is a detailed and comprehensive roadmap showing companies how to safely and efficiently use the Internet in the best possible way for their business, whatever the size or industry. The book comes out of my years of advising startup and multinational companies alike in managing the risks of going online...and rescuing others when things go wrong. It is not a detailed technology book, nor is it a legal treatise, although both technology and law are discussed in clear, easy-to-understand ways throughout its chapters.
The biggest mistake made by companies "going online" is to ignore the unique and often risky aspects of the Internet as a business environment. Beyond the obvious "low cost of entry" which makes the 'Net so appealing are a number of other characteristics which must be taken into account however a company wants to use the medium, including:
* the international nature of the Internet
* the speed at which communications, and mistakes, can be spread
* the anonymity of users and the resultant potential for fraud
* the legal and social minefields surrounding privacy
* the ease by which a user can copy, and even modify, valuable materials placed online
* the connection of critical business systems to computers around the world (including those of competitors!)
From Web sites to e-mail to chat rooms to employees "Web surfing" from their offices, CLICKING THROUGH leads you through these and many other risks, detailing both successes and failures through fascinating case studies and providing critical questions, answers, checklists and even contract provisions.
This book is primarily designed for the businessperson with ultimate responsibility for a company's online operations, and will be helpful for IT professionals, attorneys and other advisors, and students--anyone involved or interested in the business use of the Internet. Even if your company is already "connected," CLICKING THROUGH will provide you with new information and strategies to reduce and manage the risks you may not even realize you are facing. The book also gives those who are leading their company's charge onto the Internet solid ammunition to address and satisfy the objections of colleagues afraid of this new business frontier. The Internet is here, it has immense potential for profitability and cost savings if utilized properly, and it's unlike anything your company has ever done--let CLICKING THROUGH be your guide.