E-Commerce: Definition: E-Commerce refers the use of internet and other online services to be engaged in buying and selling of digital and non digital products and services which require digital transportation or physical transportation. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): Definition: EDI allows is a subset of E-Commerce and it allows the pre-established trading partners to exchange the business information electronically. The main objective of EDI system is to support purchasing function of the organization

E-Business: It refers to the use of internet and other online services to be engaged in exchanging information relating to buying and selling activities other business activities like providing customer support, marketing and advertising etc

Difference between E-Comm & E- Business E-Commerce E-Commerce encompass the broader commerce environment E-commerce is economical E-Commerce can reach to more geographical area. By ecommerce business can reach its consumers directly without an intermediaries EDI It covers limited commerce environment EDI systems are costly EDI allows limited business partners to transact By EDI business only reach to its business partners and business customers.

Types of e-Commerce: B2C B2B C2C B2E (1) B2C: In this type of E-Commerce businesses are engaged in attracting and selling their digital and non digital products and services to their customers for their known use directly without any intermediary. (Online Retailing) e.g Amazon.com online bookseller These online retailers offer e-commerce websites which provide virtual store front and multimedia catalogue, interactive order processing, secure electronic payment systems and online customer support.

(2) B2B: This ecommerce category involves in buying and selling to the other businesses. In B2B companies offer secure internet and Intranet or extranet catalogue websites for their business customer and suppliers. EDI is also one form of B2B. B2B Portal (B2B Exchange/Market Place/Hub): It provides the auction and exchange marketplace for businesses for selling and buying their products and services by using a common technology. (3) C2C: In C2C consumer can buy and sell with each other in an auction process at a auction web site. Electronic personal advertising of products and services to buy or sell by consumers at electronic newspaper site, consumer ecommerce portals or personal web sites is also important form of C2C e-commerce.

B2C In B2C customers are individuals/Consumers In B2C transactions are simple In B2C putting the catalogue online is easy Retailers don’t have to integrate with their customer system B2B In B2B customers are other businesses In the B2B transactions are more complex; they require the high end security needs. In B2B more discussions on price, delivery and product specifications that is why putting catalogue online is not easy in case of B2B. Companies selling to other businesses are making sure they can communicate without human intervention.

B2E: It is an ecommerce approach the focus of business is employees rather than consumers or other busineses.B2E encompasses every thing that businesses do to attract and retained well qualified staff in competitive market. B2E portal: It is some time called People Portal which is customized page for everyone within the organization. E-Governance: Use of Govt. agencies of IT to improve relations with citizens, businesses and with other govt. bodies. E-Governance Portal: It works like the front office where all the services are brought together and organized in such a way they are convenient and logical for the users. Portal can simplify relations and interaction of citizens and businesses. G2C: Delivering information and services electronically to citizens. G2B: Delivering information and transacting electronically with businesses G2G: Delivering information and services to improve the inter department interaction within govt.

How E-Commerce is used to improve business functions E-Commerce solutions are used for the following business functions Corporate purchasing Marketing and promotion Brand Management and awareness Inventory management for global entities Supply chain management Customer relationship management Customer billing and payments Online help desks

Benefits of E-Commerce: 1-Increase Sale 2-Increase Profit 3- Expanding the size of the market from regional to national or national to international 4-Decreasing Cost – Cost of creating the product – Cost of promotional material – Costs of distribution eg. Netscape allowing you to download instead of waiting to get the CD by mail – costs of processing (orders from the customers) – Determine product availability (inventory management) – costs of storing information

Better Customer services E-Commerce can cover more geographical area. 7.Increased Choice of Vendors and products 9.Convenience of shopping at home or office 10. Customization in delivery of services