This report is a simple summary targeted towards the lay person.
* you must compress graphics used in email using .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .png formats etc.

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SUMMARY OF OPTIONS
Known options for electronic distribution of company information
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1) Email / Plain text email
  a) Little visual interest

2) Email / Plain text email with attached (eg. Excel, Word) file
  a) All recipients must have program used to create file installed on their computer (e.g.:Excel or Word)
or file must be saved in plain text format.
  b) Little visual interest unless viewer has original program.

3) Email / HTML format with embedded corporate images and background
  a) Recipients must configure browser/email to accept HTML email.
  b) Added, but limited visual interest.
  c) HTML tables used to determine layout are not parsed by all email programs and appearance may vary
from viewer to viewer.

4) Email / Plain text email with attached (PDF) file
  a) Recipient must download and install free Acrobat Reader.
  b) Unlimited visual interest, all design and layout remains intact for all viewers.
  c) Original program is not needed by viewer.
  d) Added interactivity / hyperlinks, notes, bookmarks, thumbnails, articles etc.
  e) Print quality of all design elements is as high as designer intends.

5) Web site / HTML files
  a) Choice of using secure section of server for selected users with password.
  b) Added, but limited visual interest.
  c) Added interactivity / hyperlinks
  d) Data collection through HTML submit form means increased interactivity and functionality.
  e) Data collection through HTML submit form is relatively simple.

6) Web site view or download / Embedded or linked PDF files
  a) Choice of using secure section of server for selected users with password.
  b) Choice of viewing options / from within browser or download to desktop.
  c) Recipient must download and install free Acrobat Reader.
  d) Unlimited visual interest, all design and layout remains intact for all viewers.
  e) Added interactivity / hyperlinks, notes, bookmarks, thumbnails, articles etc.
   f) Data collection through PDF submit form means increased interactivity and functionality.
  g) Data collection through PDF submit form requires require s advanced programming on server.
  h) Print quality of all design elements is as high as designer intends.

A combination of the above options would demonstrate dynamic communication capabilities for business.
Please note that this report is dated and many viewers are now capable of receiving HTML email.

a TalenTech report