Page 14 - DCAP306_DCAP511_E-COMMERCE_AND_E-BUSINESS

Unit 1: Introduction to E-Commerce and E-Business

1.4.1 Anatomy of E-Commerce Applications

Nowadays, effective interactions are happening between businessmen and customers with the help of
the Internet. People are comfortable with online buying and selling of products because of the ease with
which things get done. The Web sites pertaining to online buying and selling are gaining popularity
because of rapidly advancing technology.
E-Commerce applications mainly comprise of multimedia content and multimedia storage servers. It
also includes information delivery system, a device that functions as an interface for various e-
commerce applications and network service providers that serve as access points.
Multimedia Content for E-Commerce Applications
Multimedia content is believed to be the backbone of electronic commerce applications. Multimedia is
defined as the use of digital data in more than one format, such as, the combination of text, audio,
video, and graphics in a computer file or document.
Multimedia reflects the natural communication of people. It aims to combine the interactivity of a user-
friendly interface with multiple forms of content. Multimedia is linked with hardware convergence
happening in the telecommunication, computer, and cable industry. This is because the next generation
of digital, interactive home entertainment is approaching technical completion. From this perspective,
multimedia refers to the combination of computers, television, and telephone technology in a single
device.
Multimedia systems are oriented towards numeric processing; hence they are considered much more
accurate than conventional database systems. Business professionals agree that more than 90% of the
information that companies use for business operations and decision making exists outside the
traditional database systems. This external information is crucial for smooth organizational functioning.
External information is in the form of technical manuals, memos, e-mail, problem reports, sales
brochures, and product design.
Most business systems use only a portion of the information and communication found in the
workplace. Therefore, the aim of multimedia is to increase the usefulness of all information through the
processing and distribution of new forms like images, audio, and video.
The traditional, separate business divisions no longer function in the world of multimedia. In other
words, every form of information is interrelated to other forms. However, the access to multimedia
information relies on the hardware capabilities of the customer. For many years, capability of the
computer hardware was well ahead of the requirements of software applications available to run on it.

An electronic book includes photographs, animation, voice, video clips, and a host
of other things.

The key elements for the success of e-commerce applications are innovativeness and diversity of
multimedia packaging and content. The current providers of multimedia information are profited by
broadcasting television productions, traditional print publications, and software and information
services. These information providers are supported by a group of small companies or individuals
producing content, such as, developing software programs, creating videos, writing articles, and other
entrepreneurial activities. However, there are plenty of opportunities for new providers who can offer
innovative content that meets consumer requirements which are not being fulfilled by existing
providers.

Find the latest technology available for e-commerce and e-Business.

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