Does anyone have experience using Avatars in business? If so, what are the pros and cons?

Current Uses of avatars for business - Limited sales to customers, i.e. answers product features; Limited health care, i.e. administrative tasks including providing generic information; and Training.

Potential benefits of avatars in business - Reduce expenses associated with travel when interacting in a virtual world; Provide a sense of privacy on-line until you are comfortable; and, Avoids bias – racial, sexual, disability.

Business Opportunity - There is a whole generation growing up with avatars for gaming, i.e, Xbox and Wii.

I know there was an initial push to use avatars, but it fizzled out. I believe the earlier attempt was too soon.