The same tools and techniques used to create a Web page can be used to create catalogs, books, documentation and other informational resources on CD-ROM. Clients can use the same Web browser they would use on the Internet to view this material. Of course, the response time is far better from the CD-ROM than it is from an Internet Web site. You can include a browser right on the CD for those who may have computers but not be using the Internet (ed. "errr, who?").

Once you have composed your CD-ROM material, you can use a CD recorder to create disks. CD media runs between $0.65 and $2.00 depend on brand, quality and quantity. If your quantity is a bit higher, you can have them pressed. At 500 disks, you can expect about $2.00 per disk, including 2-color label printing. At 10,000 it's about $0.58 each. Keep this cost in mind next time you pay $22 for a music CD - it will cheer up your day to know somebody is getting rich.

You can put most of your Web site on CD (for speed), and have links right off the CD to updated inventory and pricing or place orders on your actual Web site.