E-commerce began before personal computers were prevalent and has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, but where did it come from? By looking at the evolution of e-commerce, it will be easier to judge its trends for the future
Simply put, e-commerce is the online transaction of business, featuring linked computer systems of the vendor, host, and buyer. Electronic transactions involve the transfer of ownership or rights to use a good or service. Most people are familiar with business-to-consumer electronic business (B2C). Common illustrations include Amazon.com, llbean.com, CompUSA.com, travelocity.com, and hotels.com.
E-tailing or "virtual storefronts" on Web sites with online catalogs, sometimes gathered into a "virtual mall"
The gathering and use of demographic data through Web contacts
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), the business-to-business exchange of data
e-mail and fax and their use as media for reaching prospects and established customers (for example, with newsletters)
Business-to-business buying and selling (B2B)
Currently, the e-Commerce includes core modules and several
Shopping cart and product 'look and feel' are themeable
Create taxes, charges and discounts
Subscriptions and recurring payments
Receive donations
Sell file downloads, shippable items, bundles or even on-the-fly customizable products
Inventory management
Payment and shipping plugins: The system can use PayPal, Authorize.net, eWAY, C.O.D. or you can roll your own.
