The software package - netg@in - was recently unveiled by the Mumbai-based Net Advantage India. According to Net Advantage managing director Chandresan Kale, this concept is catching on in India in a big way. He says a person using Internet is usually forced to view/see strings of advertisements while surfing."Recently, global advertisers all over the world and especially on the Net decided to share the revenue (almost 70 per cent) earned through advertisements with users of the Net as an obligation. These firms are now aiming for more and more eyeballs," Kale added.

How does it work? Kale explains: Net Advantage India has launched a software programme - netg@in - that helps the net user to get registered with over 63 advertisement companies who will pay the user for viewing the advertisements or for reading promotional e-mails while on Net.This programme works well with any Internet service providers including VSNL, Mantra, MTNL, Dishnet, Satyam, Nanda, Cheecoo, Caltiger, etc.

The user will get the money through cheque. The software that the customer uses will help them download an advertisement bar which showcases a string of advertisements. "By using this programme, viewing advertisements or reading e-mails become a profitable deal as the user can get about Rs 20 to Rs 860 per hour of surfing," he added.

The worldwide trend is being unveiled in the country with two advertisement firms beginning to pay the net users for surfing the net and viewing the advertisements. Net Advantage has already tied up with companies including Arcin.com and mail4me.com for the purpose.

These sites have alliances with advertisers like Tatas, Birlas and Hindustan Lever. The money that can reap through net surfing by the users varies from sites to sites. Some companies offer up to $20 million a hour.

Industry sources said the advertisement budget of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) on the Internet has been increasing over the past couple of months, thanks to the net revolution in the country .