The Joy and Sorrow of the Worldwide Web

"Suppose all information everywhere were linked.. Suppose I could program my computer to create a space in which anything could be linked to anything."

These thoughts expressed by Tim Berners-Lee in the early 80s were the inspiration for what became the worldwide web in the early 90s. In his newly published book, Weaving the Web, he describes the evolution of the Web as a means for taming the chaos of the Internet.

The success of the Web owes to the simplicity of connecting one page to another - and one website to another - via hypertext links. It is now possible to navigate all public space on the web by clicking one's cursor on the appropriate set of links. But, because of the massive growth of the Web, hypertext links provide a frustratingly uncertain means of finding what you want.

Moving Business Information Online

Vices and Virtues of Print Media

In time, the Worldwide Web will usurp the dominant role of newspapers and magazines. But, newspapers and magazines that enhance their editorial skills with the capabilities of the Web will become more important sources of news and information. Why? Because the Internet requires even more guideposts to relevant news and information than do the regions and industries in which we work.

We all rely on numerous printed products for business information. For local executives, this might mean Southwest Florida Business magazine, the business sections of the local newspapers, trade or professional publications in their field and perhaps the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Each type of publication will provide varying amounts of news and data that relate to our local or professional information requirements. The role of each print vehicle is to select the material considered most appropriate for their core audience - and material that will fit in the number of pages printed. On the Web, much more can and should be done.

In the case of BusinessNewsNow.com, that means delivering a well-conceived and wide-ranging blend of content that is most relevant to the business community in Southwest Florida. We've taken the time to assemble and to create online resources that make the most of your time on the web.

BusinessNewsNow.com: News, News, and More News

BNN delivers local, state, national and global news that's fresh each day. Most of our content appears first - and often exclusively -- on the Net. We cover breaking stories and events when they happen. We also go beyond our own team to collaborate with syndicated news sources such as Reuters, CBS MarketWatch and NBC-2 to extend our reach. And we harvest headlines from the best news sites across the Web -- from sources as diverse as the New York Times, the LA Times, the BBC, and the South China Morning Post.

Live Stock, Currency, Interest Rates and Weather

Through our partnership with Stockpoint, we deliver key financial indicators from the major market indices as well as interest rate and currency data on 20-minute delay. In another partnership with NBC-2, we offer current weather conditions, five-day weather forecasts and live Doppler images.

Automated, Searchable Business Calendar

The BNN Business Calendar provides a two-fold benefit for local and visiting businesses executives. The calendar tells what's happening, when, where and why. From Economic Development Council mixer meetings to the kick-off breakfast of the Lee County United Way, the calendar tracks the information for you by day, week and month. Secondly, it serves as free advertising for local businesses. And the best part is that you can submit your events online, making it possible to get your information online almost instantaneously.

Current Economic Trends and Statistics

The Fast Facts page offers a quick look at the constantly changing demographics in Southwest Florida. Not only will local business owners benefit from staying abreast of these facts, but so will out-of-state businesses looking to relocate now have Southwest Florida's information at their fingertips. Short, to-the-point stories covering tax information, average housing prices, work-force statistics and educational information provide a bird's-eye view of the economic opportunities beckoning in Southwest Florida.

Business Finder: Complete and Comprehensive Local and National Listings

In partnership with Switchboard, we have created a custom set of search tools that combine local and national Yellow Pages, White Pages, Email Search, an online mapper and web search. Business Finder comes with presorted categories to simplify your search for such business and life essentials as computer products, office supplies, accountants, banks, restaurants, shopping and schools. Our listings are comprehensive and complete. You get not only an address and telephone number - you also get a map and/or directions as well as links to nearby businesses and relevant websites.

A Database of Expert Advice

BusinessNewsNow.com is a site rich in helpful information about running your business more efficiently and growing it to its highest potential. Under the Business Adviser, you can read new and archived stories such as:

Starting your own company

Building your existing business

Compiling a workable business strategy

Marketing your business effectively

Utilizing your finances wisely or procuring new financing

Dealing effectively with employees through the human resources department

Knowing the law and changes to it

Understanding the latest in business computing

Using the Internet effectively

Ensuring a quality product

Interactive Relocation Guide

The Relocation Guide offers businesses and potential residents the interactive tools and calculators necessary to save time and money and to help you make more informed decisions when relocating. Check out the current mortgage and bank rates or request a relocation package from local vendors. Compare everything from neighborhoods to schools to crime statistics easily and quickly. Create a moving timetable or just verify that you are located in one of the best business areas in the country.

Reliable Sources: Our Print Articles and Links to Online Info

Get the online news and information you need to keep up to date and well-informed-all gathered in one place. You can do your own searching among our selection of the best.

Archives of Southwest Florida Business magazine since July 1997

Local, State, National, and Global News Sources

Government Resources

Local Chambers and EDCs

Job and Employee Resources

Great Business Internet Sites

Real Estate

The Real Estate page covers both commercial and residential issues. Learn which areas are ideal for your business or which attract the most client traffic. Or, look for a home under the individual community listings. Builders, real estate agents, mortgage brokers and bankers can advertise directly to people who are searching for their services.

Lifestyle

The Lifestyle section fills you in on the charms and qualities of our local communities from Naples to Fort Myers - and on what's happening indoors and out. Explore activities from the cultural events at the Naples Philharmonic to Jungle Larry's alligators to the animals on ice at the Everblades TECO Arena.

Coming Soon: Online Travel Center and Business Book Store

We're working diligently to add interactive travel capability so that you can get current travel data and book all your travel arrangements through BNN and our affiliate, Travelocity.

In addition, in partnership with Barnes&Noble.com, we'll be adding a business bookstore that gives you our recommendations and the ability to buy directly from the B&N site.

The Bottom Line: BusinessNewsNow.com puts the Web to Work for you and your business

It's online blend of up to the minute and comprehensive business information is unmatched in Southwest Florida.

Make BNN your first stop on the Web whenever you log on.