Atlanta-based IRDC is an international learning organization, integrating strategic research and executive development. The tech-laden conference, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, began Saturday with executive seminars and will conclude late today (Wednesday).

"People can point and click,'' Herbold said in his keynote speech, "Leveraging Technologies in an Internetworked Economy." Herbold continually underscored the fact that basic computer functions are simple and that paper-based forms and other paper-based applications are well on their way to becoming obsolete. The result, he said, will be dramatically reduced training costs and expenses for many companies.

Herbold, whose base at Microsoft is a 30-minute drive across Lake Washington from downtown Seattle, is responsible for worldwide operations for the software giant, including finance, manufacturing and distribution, information systems, human resources, corporate services and corporate privacy and security.

Herbold said two main lessons were definitely learned the past two years. The first is that global connectivity is here to stay and that dynamic "packaged" software applications will replace custom-made systems.

Herbold pointed to Charles Schwab Co., as a prime example of an organization that has managed the Internet wisely. The brokerage has advanced from a discount, fee-based broker to the nation's leading online trader with 42% of all online brokerage assets.

Though many companies have found Internet profits elusive, Herbold demonstrated that cost effectiveness does exist by comparing the costs associated with producing a paper-based airplane ticket ($12.20) to those associated with a ticket generated online (9 cents). Similarly, a bank transaction orchestrated by a teller costs roughly $1.25 while on online banking transaction costs 2 cents.

Herbold said the computer industry will continue to shift to an information "appliance business" and that the major change for consumers will be the digital convergence of telephone, television and the Internet. "Yes, we've gone through a blip in the economy,'' Herbold said. "but we are in for quite a ride."