All such business transactions carried out through internet is called E commerce

By: Smita Mathur

Ecommerce is the way of conducting of business communication and transactions through computer networks. Ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services, and the transfer of funds through digital communications.

Ecommerce is precisely correspondent to a market place in the Internet. Ecommerce mainly comprises of the buying, selling, distributing, servicing and marketing of products on the Internet and other computer networks. It involves online marketing, e-marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic funds transfer, and supply chain management, automated inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Presently, it is one of the most important features of the Internet. Ecommerce is exchange of goods and services electronically with no barriers of time or distance. Over the last five years, Ecommerce has expanded very quickly and is expected to proceed further at this speed or faster.

The boundaries between the "electronic" and "conventional" commerce is gradually disappearing as more and more businesses shifting sections of their operations onto the Internet.

Ecommerce or Electronic commerce between businesses is referred by Business to Business (B2B) either than between a business and a consumer. Rather than customers or suppliers, B2B businesses mostly deal with hundreds or even thousands of other businesses. Vast competitive advantages over traditional methods are provided by carrying out these electronically transactions. Ecommerce is often cheaper, faster and more convenient than the traditional methods of trading services and goods, when properly implemented.

In Electronic Data Interchange or EDI form, electronic transactions have been around for quite some time. Each customer and supplier is required by the Electronic Data Interchange to set up a dedicated data link. To set up multiple and ad-hoc links for companies e-commerce provides a cost-effective method. Development of electronic marketplaces led by Ecommerce brings together the potential customers and suppliers to conduct mutually beneficial trade.