How Email Has Changed Business Essay Example

Electronic mail messaging has been around for over 30 years, used by government officials and the like as a means of sending and receiving data. It was not until the early 90’s that e-mail became a tool used by the masses. “Electronic mail is a natural use of networked communication technology that developed along with the evolution of the Internet.” (Crocker). With the release of the Internet as a global medium, it became possible to exchange information electronically and instantly in the form of a mail message. This transmission is possible from anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection. The evolution of e-mail has revolutionized the way people communicate; for business, it has reinvented both internal and external processes providing an avenue that saves time and money and creates an opportunity for growth. Prior to the use of e-mail within a business setting, communication technology was limited to telephones and fax machines. These technologies still exist in today’s business office, however, e-mail has provided a much faster and more efficient way for colleagues to communicate. Postal mail and inter office documents have nearly disappeared as they have been replaced with this new form of communication. “E-mail is commonplace and has practically eradicated the paper inter office memo in modern workplaces. Electronic delivery is now the main way for sending and distributing documents, messages, and memos with and between organizations.” (Sellen and Harper 15). By utilizing e-mail, businesses are cutting costs on paper, postage, and telephone bills. “Email is by far the most inexpensive form of communication across global distances. You can send email to anyone in the world regardless of the geographical distance, at no extra cost to. Use of regular paper mail, telephone, and telegram (while they existed) to communicate the same information would take much longer, and be much more expensive.” (Crocker). Not only has the use of e-mail