Cyber Rules

Siebel and House are the cofounders of Siebel Systems Inc., a company that makes and markets business software packages, so it's not surprising that they are bullish on e-commerce and believe that the Web will continue to transform the way people do business. But they convincingly back up their arguments with examples and a careful lack of hype. A clear and concise first section patiently but firmly explains the Net and its importance, going on to describe the hardware and software needed for the Net's current incarnation, and the mistakes made by those who have been trying to put it to work (""Give More Than Brochureware' ""). Less effective is the second section (""On the Horizon""), consisting in the main of start-up case studies, obligatory interviews and descriptions of some of the developing medium-specific businesses and business practices. Part Three is a short how-to for getting online. All in all, with its clear explanation of the way the Net operates and its workable recommendations for businesses small and large, this is one of the most straight-talking Net-business guides around. (May)