Several online resources offer the ability to collect, compare, and distribute data with varying degrees of efficiency. Using these tools, you can gather data for scholarly research, solicit RSVPs for an upcoming presentation, or even develop an assessment tool for your classroom or department. A primary advantage of these tools is that they "stand alone" - they don't require software on your hard drive and they are platform independent. Even more importantly, they are accessible for any computer with an internet browser.

For a while, the best online database tool of the bunch was flashbase.com. However, recently, Flashbase sold out to DoubleClick and no longer offer their services free of charge. Fortunately, there are several alternatives for you to explore. Remember that each of these resources come from an Application Service Provider (ASP) and are part of the emerging Business-to-business internet market. Even while they're free at the moment, their primary function is to turn a profit someday, some way. To add to this collection, please email me the title and address of your suggestion.