The term E-Business was first used by IBM in 1997, and refers to businesses that conduct their operations over the internet in many aspects of the value chain (1). E-Business uses email, e-commerce, intranets, extranets, internet based applications such as shopping carts, and more in order to make business transactions faster, easier, and more convenient (1). E-Commerce refers to internet based businesses, business conducted over the internet using "internet based applications" such as email or shopping carts, and business transactions that are conducted online electronically (2) . These transactions can range from the exchange of goods between businesses and customers, to exchange funds from one business to another, or exchange of data from one business to another (2).
The internet can play a role in almost every aspect of the E-Business Value chain. For example, supplies and raw materials can be purchased online with the click of a mouse, tracked using online shipping trackers such as UPSs online "Quantum View Tracking Service" specifically designed for businesses (3). Online applications can also be used to manage storage organization, as well as production information, systems, and productivity measures. For example, I use an online portal via the Ramapo College Website to enter my hours into a time sheet for work, eliminating the necessity for another worker to input information on a physical time sheet or card. Outbound logistics, similar to inbound logistics, can benefit from the use of services such as "Quantum View" which, in addition to allowing companies to track incoming packages, allows a company to provide shipment notification, and tracking reports to their customers with ease and convenience (3). In addition, the marketing and sales section of the value chain can be addressed successfully using online tools, such as appealing websites, ads in google search side bars, and more invasive forms of advertizing such as pop-up ads and emailed coupons, etc. Most popular stores now feature online interfaces that both allow customers to preview products before purchase in a store, or purchase them completely online. Furthermore, the internet is becoming increasingly useful for the last element of the value chain, customer service.
For example, as early as 1998, Charles Schwab & Co. began utilizing internet based software similar to that used by call centers to monitor, organize, and track its customer service chat sessions (4). Later that year, IBM began marketing a new software system, "SameTime", designed to provide real time customer service to customers in need entirely online (4). Furthermore, as years passed and internet use has become more and more widespread, customer service has begun to utilize instant messaging in particular. For example, on sites such as the University of Wisconsin's DoIT Tech Store, you can "chat" or "instant messgae" and agent for free, at any time, for purchasing advice, or help with any technical problems that may arise with your newly purchased software or hardware (5). Similarly, many colleges feature "chats" with admissions officers to answer questions and appeal to students considering their institution. Even Ramapo College's Potter Library features a similar "customer service" type of application, in that students can, at almost any time during reference hours, and for free, ask questions of a librarian online using "Meebo Chat" and receive almost instant answers (6).
In this way, and many others, E-business is an important part of my, and other students lives. I have personally used meebo chat to ask the reference librarians important questions, have asked admissions officers at various colleges questions using chat features, and have requested tech help using online services. Furthermore, I frequently use sites such as www.amazon.com and expedia.com to purchase gifts and airline tickets. E-Business not only allowed me to book a flight to Kansas for the holidays to see my family in a matter of minutes, but it also allowed me to order them presents with "One Click" (an amazon feature) and free shipping with a free trial of Amazon Prime, track their shipment, and receive these gifts at Ramapo just before leaving (7). I even was able to book my long term parking at Newark Airport online thanks to E-business. Clearly, E-Business is changing the way we do business, and creating a convenient (and eco-friendly, as trips to the mall and specialty stores can be avoided), cost-friendly, and efficient means for commerce to be carried out in a changing and increasingly globalized world.
1. http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/e-business
2. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/electronic_commerce.html
3. http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/tracking/quantumview/index.html
4. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
5. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
6. http://ww2.ramapo.edu/library/index2.aspx?id=19462
7. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468480
You show a real understanding of e-business! I like how you connect e-commerce in the beginning and how you talk about the importance of the internet when it comes to the value chain of a business. Also, the numerous examples were easy to understand and allowed me to picture and understand this concept all the more.
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