Online discussions don't replace email, but can substitute for it in cases where email doesn't work. Like an email folder, an online Discussion Area may have one or more discussion threads.
But unlike email, everyone sees the exact same discussion! And, there are other significant differences:
Attached files can be very large
Replies are fully indented
Users can have different access rights, e.g. "view only"
Discussions can be closed and archived
Most importantly, since the tool is browser based, you don't need an email program. You can access the information and files from anywhere, ensuring everyone has the correct and complete information.
