E-Commerce Applications: Issues and Prospects

by Zorayda Ruth B. Andam

Various applications of e-commerce are continually affecting trends and prospects for business over the Internet, including e-banking, e-tailing and online publishing/online retailing.

A more developed and mature e-banking environment plays an important role in e-commerce by encouraging a shift from traditional modes of payment (i.e., cash, checks or any form of paper-based legal tender) to electronic alternatives (such as e-payment systems), thereby closing the e-commerce loop.

a) Benefits of eCommerce • Expanded Geographical Reach • Expanded Customer Base • Increase Visibility through Search Engine Marketing • Provide Customers valuable information about your business • Available 24/7/365 - Never Close • Build Customer Loyalty • Reduction of Marketing and Advertising Costs • Collection of Customer Data

b) Basic Benefits of e Business eCommerce o increase sales - this is the first thing that people consider

         when dealing w e-commerce 
   o decreasing costs 
   o increase profits 
              o understanding that profits is not the same as sales 
   o Expands the size of the market from regional to national or national to international 
   o Contract the market 
   o reach a narrow market 
              o target market segmentation allows you to focus on a more  
                   select group of customers 
              o and therefore have a competitive advantages in satisfying them