Electronic Commerce Introduction and Related Issues

Inter-networking Open Network Infrastructure Protocol Open Access Two-way communications

Electronic Commerce Not only a conventional definition emphasized technological aspects but also to stress the economic aspects To define electronic commerce as a new market offering a new type of commodity through digital processes

3D of EC

Applications of EC searching for product information ordering products paying for goods and services customer service internal electronic mail and messaging online publishing of corporate documents online searches for documents, projects and peer knowledge distributing critical and timely information to employees managing corporate finance and personnel systems manufacturing logistics management supply chain management for inventory, distribution and warehousing sending order processing information and reports to suppliers and customers tracking orders and shipments

Market characteristics No barriers to entry many potential buyers and sellers must be able to enter and exit the market at no cost Price takers there are many sellers and buyers who cannot individually influence the market No product differentiation products are homogeneous Perfect information buyers and sellers both know the price and quality of the product

Virtual Organizations Transaction costs Size Hierarchy Partnership Loose coupling

Current Issues Contents and Quality Copyrights vs. Users Rights Legal and Economic Considerations of Copyright Copyright and The Freedom of Speech Interactive Advertising and the Use of Consumer Information Targeted Advertising and the Privacy Internet Intermediaries Security Pricing Strategies for Digital Products Online Taxation