Ebusiness
WHAT IS IT? Ebusiness is a shortened word for Electronic Business which basically means doing business electronically/online. It gives consumers and businesses the opportunity to buy or sell goods via internet. These businesses attempt to provide as much customer service as possible, and utilize communication to their customers if needed. Ebusiness has created a connection between businesses and consumers allowinng them to work together, opening a new door to the world of business.
Ebusiness came from the word Ecommerce, which is only the action of buying and selling goods via internet; whereas Ebusiness does the same, but also has the ability to exchange any information needed about a company within its employees. Although sometimes these words are used interchangeably, businesses go through Ebusiness for marketing, and other selling tools to reach out to its consumers/vendors where Ecommerce does not.
Ebusiness has grown increasingly fast within the last decade, providing business information and communication all through technology. It allows businesses to have their information accessible externally and internally being more organized and easier than before. Ebusiness is accessible to consumers and businesses all over the world. Instead of running a business to a select group of customers at a local store near by, ebusiness has made it possible for businesses to provide their inventory to people worldwide. It is used mainly through computers, but is now also accessible through cell phones and other internet-friendly gadgets.
Ebay is a world renowned company that does all of its business electronically. It is infamous for auctioning off items and purchases made by customers, world wide, all online.
WHO USES EBUSINESS? From the book, "Business Driven Information Systems," by Baltzan and Phillips, some industries that use Ebusiness are retailers, financial institutions, telecommunications, health care systems, travel, and manufacturers.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Ebusinesses have a model they follow called the Ebusiness Model that include the four kinds of Ebusiness. According to authors Baltzan and Phillips, the Ebusiness Model includes: 1. Business-to-Business (B2B), Businesses sell their product to other businesses via internet, for example COSTCO 2. Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Businesses sell their product to consumers via internet, for example DELL 3. Consumer-to-Business (C2B) Consumers sell their own product to businesses via internet, for example PRICELINE 4. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), Consumers sell their own product to other consumers via internet, for example CRAIGSLIST
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF EBUSINESS? Positives: Electronic business allows consumers to purchase and/or sell goods at the touch of a button. It allows the business world to be readily available to anyone around the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One can buy any type of good desired, even groceries. This type of business is convenient not only for customers but also for employees in the business world. Within the company, employees are able to exchange a vast amount of information. It allows tedious steps to be less time consuming and easier then ever before. Negatives: Electronic business makes some people think twice about purchasing goods online. Identity theft, credit card fraud, and spamming are three main reasons why it might leave some customers hesitant. Other downsides of making purchases online are buying false brand name merchandise that appears to be authentic when browsing the internet, unable to try-on clothing for the perfect size, unavailable internet, computers crashing, shipping and handling costs, etc. Employees are unable to have in-person contact with customers to provide full customer service, possibility of unsaved files, typos, etc.
The amount of information available to businesses and consumers through Ebusiness is incredible. The overall goal is to provide fast service, improve communication, and minimize the amount of errors as possible. For more information about Ebusiness, here is an article from wisegeek.com titled, "What is eBusiness?" References: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ebusiness.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_business http://sites.google.com/site/b188sjsu/Home |