Online Portals : Storehouse of information in World News, Entertainment, Online Shopping, Sports
Barbara Tuchman, a renowned historian, once said, “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill.” This quote encapsulates the importance of books as a medium for transmitting knowledge. However, in the digital age, the way we access and consume information has dramatically changed.
The advent of online portals has revolutionized our access to information. These platforms provide a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, eliminating the need for physical books or newspapers. With just a click, we can access news, sports updates, entertainment content, and much more. This convenience and accessibility have made online portals a popular choice for many.
In the early days of the internet, portals served as a starting point for web surfing. Despite the emergence of specialized portals catering to specific interests, the early entrants still command a significant share of viewership.
Today’s web portals are far more advanced than their predecessors. The widespread availability of broadband internet has enabled portals to offer rich graphics, multimedia content, and functional applets like stock market tickers and news feeds. This has significantly enhanced the user experience.
According to eMarketer’s report, the future of web portals is even more promising. They are expected to extend beyond the web and offer personalized desktops and video/multimedia search capabilities. Advertising is a major revenue source for these portals, and the nature of advertising on these platforms is also evolving.
Major portals like Google are already expanding beyond traditional search functionalities. In the coming years, we can expect them to launch desktop search products, personalized search tools, and mobile search services.
Private portals are also gaining popularity. They offer a secure way for employees, clients, and customers to access personalized information through a password-protected site. For instance, healthcare portals have become an invaluable tool for large HR organizations. They allow employees to log into their healthcare accounts independently, saving time for HR staff.
However, for a portal to be successful, it must align with the company’s business needs. While IT staff may handle the technical aspects of the portal, input from other areas is crucial to ensure that it meets its intended purpose.
In conclusion, online portals have transformed how we access and consume information. If Barbara Tuchman were alive today, she might have quoted differently about this digital revolution.
Source by Debarati C