Many companies find HTML internet and intranet publishing invaluable – particularly if they have large numbers of users and their documentation is subject to frequent changes. Since the source files need be stored in only one place, they can be easily updated and all users have immediate access to the revised information.

On CD ROM, HTML provides a very convenient and economical alternative to paper documentation for many applications. For example, software houses can supply their software and its supporting documentation on the same CD, making considerable savings on printing and distribution cost, and enabling changes to be implemented quickly. Users can view and print the documents directly from the CD.

HTML documentation is read using a standard internet browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. It supports all the usual features found on a website such as the ability to use colours and background textures, to integrate graphics and text, provide hyperlinks, animations and downloadable files. However, it is equally suited to producing simpler and more formal presentation styles where required.