Electronic Business (e-business)
Electronic Business is the use of computer technology and related technologies in the day to day running of a business. This also features the provision of services in the internet (e-service). Electronic business involves the interaction of the business with its customers, suppliers, other organizations and other stake holders. These interactions are basically centered on the provision of goods and services. E-business facilitates effective interactions within and outside the business through interconnected data handling setups [2].
E-business is carried out in the internet, Web, internal or external computer connections. The entire process of purchasing and sale of goods and services is conducted through these platforms [1]. Information dissemination and sharing can be facilitated by E-business. Electronic business can be applied in the internal affairs of the business through managing customer relations, personnel, documents and the management of the business possessions. Communication is another important area where electronic business comes in handy. It includes the use of e-mail, Web-telecommunication and information control systems among others. The interaction of the business with other businesses and customers applies E-business in marketing (online marketing), setting online shops and a supply chain that is web based and managed [3].
Electronic business has developed over time to overcome some hindrances. The issue of information confidentiality and prevention of access of business data by unauthorized persons has been addressed [3]. Data encryption and enabling firewalls are solutions to this concern. Firewalls are also used to prevent unauthorized data alterations so as to promote data integrity and secure storage.
Another pressing issue is genuineness. One can be easily duped through this business because of lack of physical presence of parties involved in the transaction. However, this hurdle is being addressed through Virtual Private Network (VPN) to ensure only allowed persons access business information. Another way to solve this menace is by the use of credit cards, PINs, passwords and electronic signatures. This way, evidence as well as identity can be verified when conducting electronic business [2].
Among the businesses that embraced electronic business in the recent past, Dell Computers and IBM reported increased sales with increasingly more people able to access the internet. More and more businesses are embracing e-business by the day due to the efficiency in offers [1].
Electronic business has revolutionized business operations in nearly all sectors of the economy. Developed countries have almost made everything online. Booking of tickets in airports can be done online, manufacturing industries now run their operations using computerized machine and the military has embraced technology in their activities.
References
[1] Aziz, H. (2006). ‘Business to business Electronic Commerce’ retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/hazman
[2] Business Canada (2010). ‘Electronic Business in the Canadian Industries’ retrieved
[3] Westfall E. (2010). ‘Privacy: Electronic Information and the Individual’. S. Clara University, retrieved from
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