INTERNET - FUTURE COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

The Internet is nearly 30 years old, having been used extensively by a cademic and government sectors since its birth, More recently, dramati c increases in participation by the industrial sector have been in evi dence, However, the cement industry, including cement manufacturers, e quipment manufacturers, and related organizations, has not yet become an active participant, Why should the cement industry embrace the Inte rnet? What are the potential benefits, both economic and otherwise? El ectronic mail, providing efficient communications among its members, i s only one, Others include the sharing of research and promotional inf ormation; educational programs (distance learning) on cement and concr ete via the Internet; access to timely information, including regulato ry and industry information; and electronic discussion groups in which technical problems and ideas can be addressed and discussed, Before p articipation becomes a reality, several things need to occur, Industry leaders must be convinced that there is sound economic reason to inve st the time and money in their companies' participation, They also nee d to be educated on its use and to see how other related industries ar e using it, And they need to provide input on the specific types of in formation and services that are needed, This paper outlines the potent ial benefits of the Internet, demonstrates both existing and developin g applications, and describes specific efforts toward a unified presen ce by the cement and concrete industries.