[On line digital microscopy in 2007: One technology, many uses]

Digital microscopy enables several observers to look at any field of one microscopical section, at any magnification, through an Internet connexion. An overview of the systems used to digitize microscopy slides and to put them on line is presented. This technique is already used in many fields of pathology, for teaching, research and, to a lesser extent, diagnostic purposes. Several examples are given in this review, some of them with a true evaluation process, and strong points and weaker points are addressed. While conventional microscopy remains the keystone method in 2007 and for the coming years, it is also obvious that digital microscopy will be playing an increasing role. It is our task to make it evolve according to our needs.