Introduction to E-Business

What is E-Business?

• Traditionally, the customer is present when a sale takes place

• E-business – the customer is remote, therefore unable to touch the merchandise, or personally question staff

• There is a distinction between e-business and e-commerce

What’s the Difference?

• E-Business is BROAD:– Supports and develops the Internet– Can include ISP’s, network hardware

manufacturers, website developers, etc.– Can include e-commerce businesses

• E-Commerce is any businesses that sells products/services online

2 Markets – B2C and B2B

1. Business to Consumer (B2C)• Business providing a good/service to a final consumer

(you!)• Can be done from the comfort of a customers home• Examples: chapters.indigo.ca, forever21.com2. Business to Business (B2B)• Business providing a good/service to another business.• Example: convisint.com providing goods to Ford, or

GM

Why is E-Commerce Cool?

• Integrates many business functions together, including payment systems, order fulfillment, inventory control, or customer service

• Takes extensive planning, research, and maintance

• Draws on the strength of the Internet, plus consumers willingness to buy

4 E-Business Groupings1. E-Commerce• Uses the Internet to sell goods/services online– gap.com– hbc.com

2. Internet Applications• Provide applications that make it possible to complete business

transactions over the Internet– E-commerce app developers– Web developers– Search engines– Online training

3. Internet Intermediary• Connect buyers and sellers via the Internet, but do not

sell or house the products itself– expedia.ca– lavalife.ca– etsy.com

4. Internet Infrastructure• Manufacture and sell products that combine to allow

consumers to access the Internet– Apple, Dell– Rogers, Cogeco,– Intel – Router providers