1. Key Definitions
1.1. Self-hosting
1.1.1. system of Web hosting in which the online business owns and maintains the server and its software.
1.2. Commerce Service Providers
1.2.1. A Web host service that also provides commerce hosting services on its computer.
1.3. Shared hosting
1.3.1. Web hosting arrangement in which the hosting company provides Web space on a server computer that also hosts other Web sites.
1.4. Dedicated hosting
1.4.1. Service provider makes a Web server available to the client, but the client does not share the server with other clients of the service.
1.5. Scalable
1.5.1. System's ability to be adapted to meet changing requirements.
1.6. Static Catalog
1.6.1. simple list written in HTML that appears on a Web page.
1.7. Catalog
1.7.1. listing of goods/services
1.8. Dynamic Catalog
1.8.1. area of a Web site that stores info about products in a database.
1.9. Interoperability
1.9.1. Making a company's info systems work together.
1.10. Application program
1.10.1. program that performs a specific function, such as calculating payroll or creating invoices.
1.11. Business Logic
1.11.1. Rules of a particular business.
1.12. Page-based app. system
1.12.1. Application server software that returns pages generated by scripts that include the rules for presenting data on the Web page with the bus. logic.
1.13. Component-based system
1.13.1. Business logic approach that separates presentation logic from business logic.
1.14. Data minning
1.14.1. Looking for hidden patterns in data.
2. Advanced Functions of Ecom software
2.1. Middleware
2.1.1. Software that handles connections between Ecom software and account- ing systems. Most companies purchase middleware that is customized for their businesses by middleware vendors. Vendors: BEA systems, Broadvision.
2.2. Enterprise Application Inte- gration and Databases
2.2.1. The coordination of all of a company's existing systems to each other and to the company's Web site. The integration is accomplished by programs that transfer info from on application to another.
2.3. Web Services
2.3.1. Self-contained, modular unit of application logic that provides some bus. functionality to other applications through an internet connection.
2.3.1.1. What Web Services can do
2.3.1.1.1. Used to provide the XML data feeds that flow from one application to another in enterprise application integration efforts. They can also provide data feeds between two different companies.
2.3.1.2. How they work
2.3.1.2.1. Web services allow programs written in different languages on different platforms to communicate with each other and accomplish transaction processing and other tasks. Newer Web services implementations use XML. Web services can make automated access of the info much easier.
2.4. Integration with ERP systems
2.4.1. Larger firms have extranets and intranets requiring tools and capabilities different from those needed to implement simpler Ecom Web sites; both buyer and seller have complex systems. So many B2B web sites must be able to connect to existing info systems. ERP software packages are business systems that integrate all facets of business.
3. Ecom software for small and midsize companies
3.1. Basic Commerce service providers (CSP)
3.1.1. CSPs have the same advantages as ISP hosting services including spreading the cost of a large Web site over several "renter" hosted by the service. CSPs also offer free or low-cost Ecom software for building Ecom sites kept on the CSP's server. This allows companies to begin building and storing a storefront used the Web interface of the software.
3.2. Mall-Style Commerce service providers
3.2.1. Mall-style CSPs provide small businesses with an internet connection, Web site creation tools, and little or no banner ad. clutter. Some providers will charge a % of each customer transaction. Mall-style CSPs also provide shopping cart software or the ability to use another vendor's shopping cart software. (ex: eBay stores, Bigstep)
4. Ecom software for midsize to large companies
4.1. Web site development tools
4.1.1. It is possible to construct the elements of a midrange Ecom Web site using the right software (ex: Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Visual Studio.net). After creating the web site, the designer can add purchased software elements such as carts and content management software, to the site.
4.2. Enterprise-Class Ecom Software
4.2.1. Commerce software used by large-scale Ecom businesses whose transaction load is heavier. This software provides good tools for linking to and supporting supply and purchasing activities.
4.3. Customer Relationship Mana- gement software
4.3.1. Software that collects data on customer activities; this data is then used by managers to conduct analytical operation.
4.4. Supply Chain Management software
4.4.1. Helps companies to coordinate planning and operation with their partners in the industry supply chains of which they are members. SCM software performs two functions: Planning and Execution. This software can also help companies develop coordinated demand forecasts using supply chain info.
4.5. Content Management Software
4.5.1. Help companies control the large amounts of text, graphics, and media files that have become a key part of conducting business. With the rising use of wireless devices, con- tent management has become more important. Leading co.'s Vignette, webMethods.
4.6. Knowledge Management Software
4.6.1. Helps companies collect and organize info, share the info among users, enhance the ability of users to collaborate, and preserve the knowledge gained for future use. Major software vendors: IBM Lotus, Discovery Server, Microsoft SharePoint tech.
5. Ecom software an organization needs depends on several factors
5.1. Expected size of the enterprise and its projected traffic and sales.
5.2. Budget - a traditional store requires physical location with leases, employees, etc. The cost of creating infrastructure for an online business can be lower.
5.3. Staff - does the company have an IT staff that can maintain the site or does the site need to be outsourced to a thrid party in order to be maintained?
6. Basic function of Ecom Software
6.1. The specific duties that Ecom software performs range from a few fundamental operations to a complete solution. All Ecom solutions must provide:
6.1.1. Catalog Display
6.1.1.1. organizes the goods/services being sold. Merch. is grouped with logical departments to make locating an item easy. A single product can also be listed in multiple catagories.
6.1.2. Shopping Cart capabilities
6.1.2.1. A cart keeps track of the items the customer has selected and allows them to view the contents of their carts to add new items, or remove items. To order an item the customer simply clicks that item. Price, product number, and other info is stored automatically in the cart. Once the customer is satisfied, they can proceed to checkout.
6.1.3. Transaction Processing
6.1.3.1. Occurs when the shopper proceeds to the virtual checkout counter by clicking the checkout button. The Ecom software will than perform volume discount, tax, and shipping calculations. Once approved the sale is done.