ain bureaus of employment.There are a large number of trade associations in the U.S. Of these, approximately 2000 have an online presence which runs the gamut between simple information based web pages to full service association web sites. 2.2 TapNet Company and the ConceptVortals, vertical portals and online hubs, as theyre known, are a focus of the Internet. Some estimates predict the number of these sites will reach 25,000 by 2,001. Others estimate the business-to-business segment of the Internet to reach $1.3 trillion by 2003.These business-to-business web sites are creating online communities focused on individual industries or professions. The effectiveness of these sites and usefulness demands that eventually each industry will end up with one predominant portal. TapNet seeks to help professional trade associations create these portals. The convenience, speed and timeliness of the Internet is going to make it the pre-imminent vehicle for networking, news and information, commerce, and association meetings.2.2.1 NetworkingThe Internet provides the means for the ultimate networking - reaching everyone, anytime, anywhere. Members can communicate instantly to seek help, ask the question, or just chat. Staying informed on issues, problems, or matters they might not have even been aware of. Enabling networking applications include:h Email & List Serve functionalityh Bulletin Boards and Live Chath Member Profilesh Product Listingsh Lead Generation2.2.2 News & InformationAn association portal provides a centralized location where members can receive the most recent news and information. News and information applications include:h Help Wanted and Classifiedsh Links to related web sitesh On-line Calendarh New Productsh Press Releasesh Industry Eventsh Industry Profiles2.2.3 EcommerceAn eCommerce enabled portal allows association members to sell their products and services no other association members as well as to the association customer...
