Internet Communications Technologies and Their Effect on the Environmental Professional

Abstract

Faster and more economical computers, improved software, more capable communications systems (cellular networks, fiber-optic cables, and satellites), and the Internet are driving major changes in the environmental consulting industry. This article examines the use of the Internet to improve business effectiveness and the Internet's impact on the environmental consulting industry. It concludes that the Internet allows environmental professionals to come together at a low cost and work together successfully on proposals and projects. It also allows networking opportunities to share and obtain information. Examples of an existing virtual organization (ENVision) and The Electronic Network of Environmental Professionals (TENEP), a networking tool, are studied in detail. Overall, technology is outperforming economies of scale and, in the future may render obsolete to some extent, the typical large business infrastructure that has grown over decades. The barriers of entry to the marketplace are being lowered, and clients are getting their problems solved at much lower costs without compromising quality. Talented people will be in greater demand and represent assets that will give forward-looking companies their competitive advantage in the future.