E Commerce
E Commerce (Electronic Commerce) is any form of
business transaction
in which the parties
interact
electronically over the Internet rather than by physical
exchange or conduct.
The Internet
The Internet (or World Wide Web) is a worldwide network
of computers providing access to information from
anywhere around the world. Many businesses and
government agencies have set up Internet sites (websites)
providing information on their business.
The main business uses of the Internet
•
The ability to buy, sell and advertise goods and
services to customers and consumers
•
To communicate with businesses and customers
around the world
•
To promote products and services by electronically
publishing brochures, manuals, product updates etc
•
To give businesses the competitive edge by
researching information on specific industries.
Keep in mind that your competitors can also see what you
are doing.
Selecting an Internet Service Provider
Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which:
•
is in a city near you
•
has a good reputation
•
is business focussed
•
runs a Help Desk
•
is competitively priced
•
provides training if required
•
provides a connection with a local phone call (this
may not be available in some remote areas).
•
Don’t shop by price alone. The cheaper a provider,
the more likely they may be skimping on some part
of their service.
The cost to use the Internet could be:
•
local call per session
•
timed connection fee to ISP
•
broadband contract.
Some ISPs provide different price structures or packages.
Finding an ISP
To find an appropriate ISP ask business contacts or your
industry association, watch for advertisements in the press
or search the Internet.
Access to the Internet
Access to World-Wide Web (www), e-mail etc is via a
telephone call to your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
through the modem connected to your Personal Computer
(PC).
Connecting to the Internet
To connect your business to the