Incentive programs have gained significant traction online; 43% of companies using incentive programs use the Internet as a channel. According to the Online Incentive Council "(defunct)", since their emergence in 1996, the number of online incentive programs has almost doubled in size every year. At present, nearly every traditional incentive company offers an online component in programs including employee motivation and recognition, sales performance, channel programs, and consumer promotions. Companies that run their programs online experience efficient communication, reporting, and awards fulfillment. Online incentive programs pose an attractive alternative to traditional offline programs since online programs save money and time and allow organizations to have greater control.