E-Commerce Unit 1 - SMCK
E-Commerce Unit 1 - SMCK
E-Commerce Unit 1 - SMCK
Introduction to e-commerce:
E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods, services,
and information over the internet. It involves conducting business transactions electronically,
without the need for physical presence or face-to-face interaction. E-commerce has
revolutionized the way businesses operate and how consumers shop, offering convenience,
accessibility, and global reach.
Online payments
Meanwhile, also find examples of E-Commerce sites. They include Flipkart, Paytm Mall,
Amazon, Myntra and more.
E-Business?
E-Business encompasses executing all types of business transactions and services via the web.
This includes procuring raw materials, online education, commercial transactions, monetary
transactions on the internet and more. This indicates an online presence of all types of
businesses and services.
Examples are E-Commerce companies and their additional internal business activities such as
classifieds, auction sites, software or hardware developer sites, etc. The E-Business online
activities, in the meantime, include:
Customer Education
E-Mail Marketing
E-Commerce E-Business
1. The Internet: The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that
allows for the exchange of information and communication between devices around the
world. It is a fundamental technological building block underlying e-commerce and has
Web Standards and Technologies: The Web relies on various standards and
technologies to ensure compatibility and interoperability. HTML (Hypertext
Markup Language) is used for structuring web content, CSS (Cascading Style
Sheets) for styling and layout, and JavaScript for adding interactivity and dynamic
behavior to webpages.
Search Engines: Search engines, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo, are specialized
applications that index and catalog webpages across the Web. They allow users to
search for specific information or resources by entering keywords or queries,
providing a gateway to the vast amount of information available on the Web.
Web Applications: The Web has evolved beyond static webpages to encompass
dynamic and interactive web applications. Web applications are software programs
accessed through web browsers that provide functionality, services, and user
experiences similar to traditional desktop applications. Examples include online
shopping platforms, social media sites, and productivity tools.
Content Publishing and User-generated Content: The Web enables individuals
and organizations to publish and share content, ranging from personal blogs and
websites to professional publications and multimedia content. It has also facilitated
the rise of user-generated content, where users actively contribute and interact with
online content through comments, reviews, forums, and social media platforms.
3. Mobile Platform: Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have become integral
to e-commerce. Mobile platforms offer users the ability to access the internet and perform
e-commerce activities on the go. Mobile apps and responsive web design have facilitated
seamless mobile shopping experiences, expanding the reach of e-commerce.
A mobile platform refers to the operating system and associated hardware that
powers mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It provides the foundation
for running mobile applications and accessing various services on these devices.
Some of the major mobile platforms include iOS (Apple), Android (Google), and
Windows Mobile (Microsoft). Here are key features and aspects of mobile
platforms:
Operating System: A mobile platform consists of an operating system designed
specifically for mobile devices. The operating system manages the hardware
resources, provides a user interface, and supports the execution of mobile
applications.
Mobile Commerce (m-commerce): With the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets,
m-commerce has become a dominant trend in e-commerce. Consumers are increasingly using
mobile devices to browse and shop online. Retailers are focusing on optimizing their websites
and applications for mobile devices, providing seamless and convenient mobile shopping
experiences.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a system or process that enables the exchange of
structured business documents electronically between trading partners. It allows for the
seamless transmission of business information in a standardized format, eliminating the need
for manual data entry, paper-based documents, and human intervention.
Here are some key points about Electronic Data Interchange (EDI):
Purpose: The primary purpose of EDI is to facilitate the efficient and accurate
exchange of business documents between different organizations. These documents
can include purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, payment information, and
other transactional data.
Standards and Formats: EDI relies on standardized formats for data exchange.
Common standards include ANSI X12, UN/EDIFACT, and XML. These standards
define the structure, syntax, and semantics of the data elements within the
documents, ensuring compatibility and interoperability between trading partners.
Automation and Integration: EDI enables the automation and integration of
business processes between organizations. It allows for the seamless transfer of data
from one system to another, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing
global audience and facilitate online transactions. Here are some key aspects of e-commerce
with the WWW/Internet:
centers ensures timely delivery and efficient supply chain management. Tracking
systems enable customers to monitor the status of their orders during shipping.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): E-commerce platforms often
incorporate CRM systems to manage customer interactions, track order histories,
and provide personalized experiences. CRM systems enable businesses to build and
maintain relationships with customers, offer targeted marketing campaigns, and
provide customer support through various channels like email, live chat, or phone.
Data Analytics and Insights: E-commerce with the WWW/Internet allows
businesses to collect and analyse data on customer behaviour, preferences, and
purchasing patterns. Data analytics tools provide valuable insights into customer
segmentation, marketing effectiveness, and website performance. Businesses can
leverage this data to improve their strategies, optimize product offerings, and
enhance the overall customer experience.
Digital Marketing and Promotion: E-commerce websites leverage digital
marketing channels such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC)
advertising, social media marketing, and email marketing to attract and engage
customers. Online promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs are common
strategies to drive customer acquisition and retention.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: E-commerce websites often incorporate
customer review and rating systems. Customers can provide feedback, ratings, and
reviews of products or services, which help other potential buyers in their decision-
making process. Reviews contribute to building trust and credibility for e-
commerce businesses.
Payments and security are crucial aspects of e-commerce, ensuring the safe and efficient
transfer of funds between buyers and sellers. Electronic cash and electronic payment schemes
play a significant role in facilitating online transactions. Here's an overview of electronic cash
and various electronic payment schemes used in e-commerce:
Electronic Cash (E-Cash): Electronic cash, also known as digital cash or e-cash, refers to a
digital form of currency that allows for secure and instant online transactions. E-cash systems
aim to replicate the functionality of physical cash in the digital realm. It typically involves the
use of cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of transactions.
E-cash operates on the principle of digital tokens or virtual currency units that represent a
certain value. These tokens can be stored on a smart card, computer, or mobile device and can
be transferred between parties electronically. E-cash systems provide anonymity and privacy
to users by encrypting transaction details and employing mechanisms to prevent double-
spending.
Examples of electronic cash systems include crypto currencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and
Ethereum. These decentralized digital currencies enable peer-to-peer transactions without the
need for intermediaries such as banks.
a. Credit/Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely used for online payments.
Customers enter their card details on the e-commerce website, and the transaction is
processed through a payment gateway that securely communicates with the card issuer
for authorization.
b. Mobile Wallets: Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay,
enable users to store payment card information on their smartphones. These wallets
facilitate contactless payments by leveraging near-field communication (NFC)
technology, allowing users to make payments by simply tapping their phones on
compatible payment terminals.
d. Digital Payment Platforms: Digital payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and
Alipay act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, securely processing payments.
These platforms allow users to link their bank accounts, credit cards, or mobile wallets
for seamless transactions.
e. Compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS):
PCI DSS is a set of security standards that organizations must comply with if they
handle payment card information. It provides guidelines for safeguarding customer
data, secure network architecture, and regular security assessments.
The payment and purchase order process in e-commerce involves several steps to facilitate the
successful completion of a transaction. Here's an overview of the typical payment and purchase
order process:
10. Order Confirmation: After the products are shipped, the customer may receive an
order confirmation notification, which includes the shipment details and any
relevant tracking information.
11. Customer Support and Returns: In case of any issues with the order or product,
the customer can contact customer support for assistance. If necessary, returns or
exchanges can be facilitated according to the e-commerce business's return policy.
Online electronic cash, also known as digital cash or e-cash, refers to a form of digital
currency that can be used for online transactions. It is a digital representation of
traditional cash that can be securely exchanged over the Internet. Online electronic cash
systems aim to provide a secure, private, and convenient method for conducting
transactions online. Here are some key aspects of online electronic cash:
Digital Tokens: Online electronic cash operates through the use of digital tokens or
units that represent a certain value. These tokens can be stored in digital wallets on
computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices. Each token is unique and carries
a specific value, similar to physical coins or banknotes.