Why E-commerce?
E-commerce is a revolutionary form of industry that enables organizations to interact electronically with customers. It allows companies to be more flexible and efficient in their operations, and it also helps build closer relationships with customers and suppliers alike. But more importantly, E-commerce can extend a company's reach to a global level.
The changing needs of the business world combined with the availability of new technologies has led to the emergence of E-commerce. CTR's new report, Electronic Commerce: The New Business Platform for the Internet, provides IT professionals with critical information concerning E-commerce marketing strategies, benefits, and security issues.
Choosing a Business Model for E-commerce
Many different E-commerce revenue models are being used on the Web today. CTR's report addresses the importance of choosing an appropriate model and establishing a business plan. Each model is discussed individually, includes information on how it is used, and explains the benefits of using a combination of models. Special attention is given to the most prominent online markets - travel, investments, and online banking.
The majority of revenue generated through E-commerce comes from business-to-business transactions. CTR's report identifies the differences between business-to-business and consumer E-commerce. The unique characteristics and technologies involved with business-to-business E-commerce are studied in detail. Implementation of electronic data interchange (EDI) to automate certain business transactions can lead to substantial cost and time savings -- CTR's report takes a close look at EDI.
Creating and Marketing an Effective E-commerce Web Site
The ultimate goal of Web-based E-commerce is to encourage customers to buy products and services online. In order for this type of E-commerce to succeed, visitors must find the site interesting and easy to navigate. Electronic Commerce: The New Business Platform for the Internet explores how companies can streamline the ordering process and design Web sites that will encourage customer use of this new technology. Design techniques and strategies for developing effective content are also included in the report.
But creating the site is only the beginning. As the report explains, even the most well-designed site must be marketed. CTR's report discusses proven techniques for effective online marketing campaigns and strategies and gives advice on choosing a domain name and submitting the site to search engines for registration. In addition, CTR's report examines business models and markets where E-commerce is making substantial inroads.
Also included in the report is a demographic breakdown of Internet users. An awareness of the characteristics of potential E-commerce customers is imperative to the marketing process.
E-commerce Security
The most significant challenge to E-commerce is security -- both internal and external. Ensuring secure online transactions is vital to the success of E-commerce. Consumers and businesses must feel confident that their payment information will be safe.
CTR's report evaluates available security technologies such as digital signatures, certification authorities, and public key encryption.
The report also analyzes a proposed security standard -- Secure Electronic Transactions (SET) - which is designed to enhance safe credit card transactions and is expected to bring more consumers to E-commerce. Although credit cards account for 90% of the transactions handled on the Internet, Digital Cash, micropayments, and electronic checks are making it even easier to purchase products and services online.
E-commerce: The Present and the Future
CTR's Electronic Commerce: The New Business Platform for the Internet report discusses the challenges that companies face. Issues such as growing costs and regulations, security concerns, and language barriers have proven to be roadblocks to the success of E-commerce. The report provides insight into the future of E-commerce and takes a close look at the impact it will have on the business world.
