E-commerce initiatives can provide reduced costs, increased revenue, and operational efficiencies for businesses that seek an advantage in today's competitive economic environment.

When a buyer views an online catalog and retrieves product or service information; places an order; and provides credit and shipping information.

E-commerce transaction may begin. The seller verifies the credit information, processes the order and payment, and schedules fulfillment and shipping

Today many companies are transitioning from their existing "brochureware" websites to Web storefronts-sites which expand their functionality to include buying and selling. Some businesses are even integrating sophisticated customer relationship strategies-programs which allow them to confine their site's content, products, and services to their customer's needs and preferences.

It is usually a good idea to deploy e-commerce capabilities in phases, although a move through the phases is in quick succession. Be sure to consider how an online business can be integrated into existing business strategy and still attracting traffic. The four phases of an e-commerce site are as follows                    more>>