WHAT a strange thing for the Bucks Free Press to do - start a new column based around the Internet just as the dotcom bubble has burst.

At least thats what you might think if you hung onto every word of the national media. In one sweet breath Boo.com is gone and Yahoo announce a profit warning, yet a moment later all is well as Yahoo announce a link up with the French media group Vivendi and Sony.

Indeed the heady world of commerce is a fickle beast is the web here to stay, are we in a boom, bust or stagnation period? As always, reality is somewhere between the extremes and is far less exciting than one is led to believe.

However, let us remain mindful of the internet's potential. It has seen a phenomenal and unprecedented growth over the last four or five years, pervading every facet of business and personal life and it does seem set to continue its growth.

At this juncture, I will also make a promise to you about this column. It will remain devoid of sensationalism and hype and will continue to focus on the needs and interests of local business. On that note, lets take a reality check. Where does the internet sit in the world of commerce and more importantly, where does it fit within your organisation?

There is a consensus within the industry at present that websites are moving from being informational-based to sales-based. This is due to the driving factors of most developing businesses increasing revenue streams, market penetration, reducing channels of distribution etc but there are other needs and uses for businesses, particularly in the area of information.

Specifically, I am referring to corporate information but also things such as stock availability and order tracking. The message is 'do not turn your website solely into a salesman'.

Your public has many other needs, which leads us to the lesson of the day: do not leave your website to any or all of the following the IT, sales or marketing divisions. Your website should be viewed not only as a window to your business but also as a corporate asset use it wisely and work it top down.