There is a vast audience of Internet users hungry for Web-based services.

The impressive popularity of Hotmail, which in December passed 30 million subscribers at a growth rate averaging 1 million a month, raises some significant points regarding e-mail, personal services and the Web. If you are unfamiliar with Hotmail, there are a couple of things you need to know. It is a Web-based free e-mail system. You do need Internet access to use it, however. You can sign up for a Hotmail account at the Microsoft Web site, http://www.msn.com or through http://www.hotmail.com What_s the draw? Anyone who has ever gone on the road knows the problem of dealing with your e-mail account. If you ignore it the whole time you are gone, you not only stand the chance of missing something extremely important, you have to deal with what can be hundreds of messages when you get back. With Hotmail, you can access your e-mail from anywhere on the Web. If the only time you use e-mail is when you are on the Web, Hotmail can serve perfectly well as your only e-mail system. Most people with accounts use it as a supplement to their regular mail. Another advantage to Hotmail is that your e-mail address will never change, even if you change jobs or Internet access providers. You can switch messages from your work or home Internet account to Hotmail, for retrieval via the Web. This is a real godsend for travelers and mobile professionals. It also works well for people with only occasional e-mail needs…