I have an internet business idea which can be provided as a Tool /
Service. Firstly, I would like to know if I can patent an idea, if so,
where and how? Otherwise, how do I start building on this idea and
reach the right people.

yes the concept is patentable if unique and no 'prior art' exists. For
example you can not patent a internet store front because that has
been done i/e www.amazon.com , www.hammacher.com ect. you can not
patent a shopping cart because that has been done you can patent a new
way of doing the same thing for instance a shopping cart that does not
require the use of cookies. For more information on what is patentable
you should check out a book 'Patent it yourself' by Nolo you can find
them at www.nolo.com  the book you can find in electronic format in
some libraries I know the library of fairfax has an electronic version
you may want to check your local library first though.

Good luck!

Big question, but with perhaps many possible answers.
Let me be as directly open and clear giving my opinion and advice
based on my own experience as a patent owner (?Human Touch Massager?).

You are up to a very expensive venture.

1) An ?internet business idea which can be provided as a Tool
/Service? is possibly patentable, and possibly not, depending on many
factors, but basically if it?s unique. If the idea is not a physical
product, and if it?s not something new that could be precisely defined
such as in a formula, illustration, or an exact procedure but rather
more of a general concept, I then believe it would not be considered
as a patent.
2) Your next step would be to carry out a search, making sure that
your idea is still first of a kind, not covered by other patents,
claims, and not been mentioned previously on any publication, article,
etc.
3) Assuming that you do have a patentable idea, you should seriously
consider the cost of getting it professionally written and registered.
Cost would be anywhere between 5-10k$ for the U.S only, not including
registration in additional countries.

Good Luck
Elias
www.allmusicmanager.com

It is unlikely that it can be patented. Even if it were possible it
would be very expensive and time consuming. Your best bet is simply
the copyright. This does not prevent your idea from being pirated and
sold elsewhere as Microsoft can attest.

Do a search to see if anyone else is promoting a similar idea and see
what they are doing. This will give you some ideas on how to start
your business or possibly someone to partner with.

Here are some free downloads that will help you with pricing and marketing.

http://freetrial.sitesell.com/solidgold2.html