Chapter 9: Key Concept

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE SOFTWARE

Key Concept: This chapter focuses on the software for small, midsize, and larger businesses and the functions provided by each type. The software is chosen on the company's size, objectives, and budget.


Web Hosting Alternatives
- self-hosting: companies incorporate electronic cemmerce components and run servers in-house
- commerce service providers: a web host service that also provides commerce hosting services on its computer
- managed service providers: web site hosing service firm, synonymous with ASP and CSP
- shared hosting: web hosting arrangement in which the hosting company provides web space on a server computer that also hoses other web sites
- dedicated hosting: web hosting option in which the hosting company provides exlusive use of a specific server computer that is owned and administered by the hosting company
- co-location: internet service arrangement in which the service provider rents a physical space to the client to install its own server hardware
- scalable: system's ability to be adapted to meet changing requirements

Basic Functions of Electronic Commerce Software
ecommerce solution must as least provide:
- catalog display
- shopping cart capabilities
- transaction processing
additional software componenets can include:
- middleware that integrates ecommerce system with existing company info systems
- enterprise application integration
- web services
- integration with enterprise resource planning software
- supply chain management software
- customer relationship management software
- content management software
- knowledge management software

ECommerce Software For Small and Midsize Companies
Basic Commerce Service Providers
- CSPs offer free or low-cost electronic commerce software for ecommerce sites, then kept on CSPs server
Mall Style Commerce Service Providers
- internet connection, web site creation toosl, little or no banner adveritisng clutter
- charge monthly fee

Electronic Commerce Software for Midsize to Large Businesses
Web Site Development Tools
- Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage, Intershop Enfinity MultiSite, WebSphere Commerce Professional Edition, Commerce Server 2002

ECommerce Software for Large Businesses
Enterprise-Class ECommerce Software
Customer Relationship Management Software
Supply Chain Management Software
Content Management Software
Knowledge Management Software