The internet has given rise to all manner of innovative businesses. These either thrive due to a larger potential customer base searching online for what were once niche products, or businesses which use technology as one of their cornerstones. Combine both of these factors together and opportunities arise which were not once there even just five years ago.
On such example, are the companies that offer canvas prints that can be produced from an uploaded photograph. This is only possible because of several factors coming together, such as the almost total embrace of digital photography, internet access and developments in printing technology.
Of course, this is just one example and there are many more to be seen. However, both having a business online, and having it totally dependent on the internet can have its drawbacks, and these are not often discussed.
Just recently, a certain gaming network was taken offline for several weeks due to a massive security breach. This not only affected the multi-national company themselves, but also the businesses using the network, as well as many of the customers.
Therefore, when considering developing an online business plan, it is important to factor in the 'what if' element. Could your business survive if for some reason your website went down? Would you need to rely on third party providers for anything, and what happens if these people should go offline for some reason? The internet offers many interesting business opportunities, but it can have some drawbacks which must be taken into consideration as well.
