The Internet is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity — for businesses, associations, charities, and other organizations that need to inform people and enable online transactions. However you currently use or want to use the Internet, a .US address can be a key part of your strategy.

Use your .US address with any Internet Service Provider or Web hosting firm, for email or a Web site or both. If you change vendors, you still get to keep your .US Internet address.

Email options include:

•  Sending certified mail — that is, automatic notification that the mail was received.
• Having mail forwarded from your current address to your new .US Internet address.
• Having your new email forwarded to any existing address.

Check with your Internet Service Provider or Registrar for more information.

Businesses  can use .US as their sole Internet address or in addition to another address, such as .com or .net.

International firms  can distinguish their United States operations with a .US address.

Associations can use .US to supplement their .org address and to demonstrate an American focus.

Educational institutions  can use a .US address when trying to reach a broader audience than with .edu alone.

Organizations of all kinds  can use a .US address to show their American spirit and appeal to those who share it.

The bottom line:  A .US address is a great new way for people to find you on the Internet. And the more ways you can be found, the better.

Your next step:  Learn how to buy from an online retailer.