What is Ecommerce?

A Home Business Article Contributed by Fiona Mclaren

Who Coined the Phrase Ecommerce?

Electronic commerce (ecommerce) is thought to be coined originally by Kalakota and Whinston(1996).

But whoever was actually the one to coin this key phrase doesn't really matter. What does matter is that ecommerce continues to be a significant and integral part of the world's commerce to this very day.

Whinston described eCommerce as being comprised of two business relationship types: those between enterprises, and those between customers and enterprises.

This is perhaps one of the easier to understand definitions of ecommerce. Since the phrase became popular, there has been a lot of debate over just what exactly the term covers.

What Exactly is Ecommerce?

Another easy way to describe ecommerce is to say that it is a simple melding of traditional Information Technology with the Internet. But it's actually a whole lot more than that.

Ecommerce is a method which can help people to conduct business in a quicker and more efficient manner. Ecommerce is a way for businesses to reach new markets, and make better use of their staff.

Ecommerce is also the way for businesses to take advantage of the phenomenal reach and scope of the World Wide Web. And it is also a prime way of getting the best out of existing hardware and software. The world, and technology, is improving every day, and ecommerce can provide an excellent tool for success. Simply put, ecommerce is the way of the future.

Ecommerce (electronic commerce) is sometimes said to refer to all business transactions in which a purchase is made through a telecommunications network.

It not only covers the placing of orders, it includes the purchase (and payment) of orders as well. Ecommerce is how to keep the business transactions between customers and enterprise flowing smoothly.

What Else Should I Know about Ecommerce?

Ecommerce can be looked at from many different perspectives. It can be seen as a business operation, a way to deliver information by electronic means, and a way to improve speed and quality of service.

Ecommerce gives companies the ability to adjust their services and products to match the market conditions very quickly, as well as reducing costs, and helping to build closer relationships with their customers.

The term ecommerce is used to describe the buying and selling process that is enabled by electronic means in the electronic marketplace (ie via the Internet).

Companies and businesses can offer services or products to their customers through the use of the World Wide Web. Then they can proceed to complete the transaction using an electronic system.

For customers and potential buyers, ecommerce offers a convenience that can barely be rivalled by any other current method of transaction. Ecommerce allows customers to buy goods and services twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, every single week of the year. There is no waiting in queues, no running to the shop to see if it is still open - ecommerce is right at your finger tips...whenever, and wherever, you want it.