Introduction to E-Commerce
E-Commerce is buying and selling goods and services over electronic networks, primarily the Internet.
Evolution
EDI (1970s), early web shops (1990s), Amazon (1994), PayPal (1998), smartphone revolution, social commerce.
Types
B2C (Amazon), B2B (Alibaba), C2C (eBay), C2B (freelancing), G2C/G2B (government services).
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages: global reach, 24/7, lower costs, personalisation. Limitations: security, no physical exam, delivery delays, digital divide.
Framework
Network infrastructure, messaging/multimedia, common business services (security, payment), applications.
E-Commerce vs E-Business
E-Commerce focuses on transactions. E-Business is broader — all IT-enabled business processes.
Summary
E-Commerce has transformed business-consumer interaction in the digital economy.