These new audio and visual technologies are vital tools in building online communication networks which extend beyond familiar time and space (is this a bit trekky?)

These technologies present layers of access which start with predictible clients, then tree down and out to clients who would never have actually figured within your usual remit.

The trick is to find the appropriate language, the semantic construct, which resonates with the right content in the right way for the right people - for example, you can identify what differentiates Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y, and how their communication processes operate.

The great thing about the blogging environment, in particular, is that there is an almost tacit understanding that posts are in constant evolution and not necessarily polished. When you have this kind of constant evolution, your message is signalled with spontaneity and creativity which your audience recognises as part of the regenerative and dynamic process.

It also allows for diverse feedback - really getting to know and understand what your customer expects and demands from your business and your product.

So who wouldn't be without it? It opens new markets, brings new customers online, provides client information and education, feedback and evaluation of product, all in one hit.

The next major problem is can Telstra cope with the projected bandwidth demand. Already they are struggling as they bring new users onto broadband. But with the increased bandwidth demanded by webcasts and webinars, this provider will have to do some hard thinking about moving into 21st century capability.

- Perrie Croshaw