Many traditional organizations have set up Internet operations, but managers have to make a decision about how best to integrate bricks and clicks—that is, how to blend their traditional operations with an Internet initiative. In the early days of e-business, many companies set up dot-com initiatives with little understanding of how those activities could and should be integrated with the overall business. As the reality of e-business has evolved, companies have gained valuable lessons in how to merge online and offline activities. The range of basic strategies for setting up an Internet operation is illustrated in Exhibit 8.12. One option is to set up an Internet division as a separate business, either by creating a spin-off company or by participating in a joint venture with another organization. Some companies choose to establish an in-house division that is more closely integrated with the traditional business. As the Internet continues to evolve, other companies are moving to a third option, which is to blend traditional and e-business operations in a totally integrated design. Each of these options presents distinct advantages and disadvantages.