Abstract—The Internet is nearly 30 years old, having been used
extensively by academic and government sectors since its birth.
More recently, dramatic increases in participation by the industrial
sector have been in evidence. However, the cement industry,
including cement manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and
related organizations, has not yet become an active participant.
Why should the cement industry embrace the Internet? What are
the potential benefits, both economic and otherwise? Electronic
mail, providing efficient communications among its members, is
only one. Others include the sharing of research and promotional
information; educational programs (distance learning) on cement
and concrete via the Internet; access to timely information,
including regulatory and industry information; and electronic
discussion groups in which technical problems and ideas can be
addressed and discussed. Before participation becomes a reality,
several things need to occur. Industry leaders must be convinced
that there is sound economic reason to invest the time and
money in their companies’ participation. They also need to be
educated on its use and to see how other related industries are
using it. And they need to provide input on the specific types of
information and services that are needed. This paper outlines the
potential benefits of the Internet, demonstrates both existing and
developing applications, and describes specific efforts toward a
unified presence by the cement and concrete industries.