E-Mail business 13844 Essay Example

be time-consuming because it requires unnecessary movement. The mail is first taken to the nearest large post office, where it is sorted. It is then delivered to the post office closest to its final destination and finally delivered from there. This means that mail sent across town sometimes has to travel out of town and back again before reaching its final point. Another aspect that varies between the two mail systems is ease-of-use, which can be expensive. When considering these factors, email has several disadvantages.

Proficiency in computer operation is essential for using e-mail, as it necessitates familiarity with the necessary software and limits communication to individuals with similar expertise. This training can result in significant expenses for businesses, leading to increased costs for consumers. Moreover, it is crucial to own a computer with various components such as a motherboard with processor (costing $300 or more), hard drive (ranging from $100 to $200), four megs RAM ($60), video-card ($80-$200), fax modem ($50-$200), and monitor keyboard ($200-$450). Additionally, e-mail users are required to pay a monthly fee for their Internet account, typically ranging from $8 to $25 per month regardless of usage.

The financial advantage of this system is that it saves time and eliminates the need for postage stamps. Traditional mail only requires literacy skills, an envelope ($.03), and a stamp ($.32). USPS users are not charged a monthly fee, making it accessible to all for sending and receiving mail. These facts demonstrate the cost benefit of the postal service compared to E-mail. Furthermore, the U.S. Postal Service serves as the largest civilian employer in the country, employing over 730,000 career workers across almost 40,000 post

offices nationwide.

The United States Postal Service, with about 0.6% of the nation's workforce, has a significant impact on the economy. Its substantial profits have led to envy among businesses, as it achieved a record net income of $1.8 billion in 1995 and successfully reduced its debt by $1.7 billion.

The Postal Service is generating $54 billion in revenue, placing them 12th on the Fortune 500 list and 33rd on the Fortune Global 500 among the world's largest corporations (#5,1). In addition, we will evaluate the reliability of both systems. Email, being managed by a computer network, eliminates any chance of human error (Lichty 31). Consequently, email consistently delivers to the correct address without any loss or theft while preserving its content. As a result, companies that choose this mode of communication can reduce costs. However, since humans operate the network servers responsible for handling these messages, server operators have the ability to read and duplicate attached files without causing any harm to either the messages or files.

Both e-mail and traditional mail service can pose safety concerns. However, the old mail method has additional issues. Delivery errors are not uncommon as envelopes are delivered by humans. Instances of letters being sent to the wrong address have occurred frequently, and packages have been known to be pilfered by dishonest postal workers or mischievous individuals. In conclusion, both e-mail and traditional mail service can be deemed unsafe.

Both systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it would be incorrect to say that one form of communication is better than the other. Email may be faster, but it can also be more expensive. In contrast, mail is easier to use

but slower.

Choosing the right system is crucial for individuals as it should cater to their needs and offer convenience. However, both systems have the downside of receiving unwanted mail. Nevertheless, this competition between the two forms of mail communication results in a broader selection of products and reduced prices for all consumers. Sourced from the United States Postal Service website, this article offers valuable insights by presenting an economic evaluation of mail communications. It emphasizes how technological progress has enabled businesses to operate at unprecedented levels of speed, efficiency, and professionalism.

Typically, new technologies tend to enhance speed, productivity, and cost reduction. However, the introduction of the latest electronic mail (E-mail) communication innovation has brought about positive and negative consequences. While some view E-mail as an innovative advancement, others highlight its drawbacks. Now let's assess the speed, ease, reliability, and expense of electronic mail in comparison to our traditional postal system, including the economic advantages and disadvantages. The transfer rate speed plays a vital role in deciding between these two methods, with E-mail clearly having an edge.

By simply clicking the mouse button, your message can be received within 5 to 30 seconds (Lichty 28), regardless of the recipient's location, whether nearby or in Australia. The transfer rate remains nearly identical. Furthermore, email enables the sending of data files and computer applications. However, larger files may result in slower upload and download times, despite being sent within seconds. Regrettably, attaching physical items such as gifts or magazines to an email is not feasible.

In contrast, the postal service offers the option to send various physical packages ranging from magazines to pool tables. The cost is proportional to the

size of the package. Additionally, if data is stored on a disk or CD-ROM, it can also be transferred via the postal service.

Delivery times for letters can vary, but generally take anywhere from two days to two weeks. The size of the letter plays a role in determining delivery time. However, distance alone does not solely impact delivery time. Surprisingly, even sending a letter to a nearby house can still require a significant amount of time. This is due to the multi-step process involved in delivering mail. It begins with transporting the mail to a major post office, followed by sorting it and forwarding it to the closest post office near the recipient's location. Finally, the letter is delivered.

The delivery of mail, even within the same city, may require a longer route. Moreover, the cost and user-friendliness of mail systems can differ. In terms of this aspect, email has various drawbacks. For example, using email requires computer proficiency. To make use of email, one must be familiar with the necessary software and can only send it to individuals who have similar knowledge. As a result, training employees to use email can be expensive for companies and ultimately for consumers too.

In conclusion, using e-mail requires a computer with various pieces of equipment. This includes a motherboard with processor ($300+), hard drive ($100-$200), four megs RAM ($60), video-card ($80-$200), fax modem ($50-$200), and monitor keyboard ($200-$450). In addition, e-mail users must pay a monthly fee for their Internet account. The monthly fee typically ranges from $8 to $25 per month, regardless of usage. However, this system has the advantage of saving time and eliminating the need for

postage stamps.

On the other hand, traditional postal mail only requires literacy and basic equipment such as an envelope ($.03) and a stamp ($.32). USPS users do not have to pay a monthly fee, and anyone can send or receive mail.

The United States Postal Service is the largest employer in the country, with over 730,000 career employees and around 40,000 post offices nationwide. It has a significant cost advantage over E-mail and employs approximately one out of every 170 working Americans. Moreover, businesses envy its impressive profitability.

The Postal Service's impact on the US Economy is significant. In 1995, they achieved a net income of $1.8 billion and reduced their debt by $1.7 billion. With a revenue of $54 billion, they would be ranked 12th on the Fortune 500 list and 33rd on the Fortune Global 500 alongside major corporations globally. Lastly, an evaluation will assess the reliability of each system.

According to Lichty (31), e-mail is error-free due to computer network management. This guarantees accurate delivery of e-mails without any loss, theft, or tampering with their contents. Consequently, companies can achieve cost savings by utilizing this mode of communication. Nevertheless, the presence of human server operators in the network presents a possible concern. These operators have the ability to read incoming mail and create duplicates of attached files; however, the actual messages and files remain unaltered. In comparison, traditional mail has even more drawbacks.

Both email and traditional mail service have their own risks, such as delivery mistakes and theft, which are caused by human error. Claiming one method is superior to the other would be incorrect because each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

E-mail and mail

each have their pros and cons. E-mail is faster but more costly, while mail is user-friendly but lacks speed. Ultimately, individuals must determine which system best meets their needs and provides the greatest convenience. Receiving unwanted messages is a shared disadvantage of both methods.

However, the competition between these two forms of mail communication results in better product options and lower prices for everyone.

Bibliography

1. Lichty, Tom. "AOL INTERNET FOR WINDOWS". New York: Ventana Press, 1995. p.25-63, This book provides an excellent explanation of how E-mail works and highlights its many benefits.
2. Ellis, John. "The Ins and Outs of E-Mail on the Net." Gateway Magazine Spring 1996: p.17 This article offers valuable insights into the growing popularity of E-mail.
3. http://www.usps.gov/news/press/96/96002new.htm This article from the United States Postal service website contains a wealth of valuable statistics.
4. http://nutcweb.tpc.nwu.edu/research/abstracts/i.2.htm This concise article focuses on the economic aspects of the postal system.
5. http://www.usps.gov/news/press/95/a0/a0/new.html