Monday, May 5, 2003		Feature

E-commerce models
Mukesh Kumar

THE WTO defines e-commerce (e-com) as a commercial process that includes production, distribution, sales and delivery of goods, i.e. services through electronic means.

E-com is associated with the buying and selling of information, products and services via computer networks. In other words doing the business on the Net and making the transactions through the Net is called e-com. The following are the types of transaction that can be done through e-com:

B2C: Instead of going physically to the different shops, just log onto the Net and search for the Websites that offer information regarding a particular product. Click any Website from where purchases are to be made. Then type name, address and the credit card number. Click to confirm the purchase. This procedure is called business to consumer transaction or B2C. Such a type of transaction is also called marketplace transactions, which takes the business closer to the consumer.

B2B: Business-to-business (B2B) transaction is also called marketlink transaction. It involves electronic transactions for business activities between business concerns. The electronic transactions between manufacturer and the suppliers come under this head.

B2G: Whenever a business transaction involves government agency like forex, customs, central excise etc., one has to submit the legal papers, which are checked and then passed. Government procedures make otherwise take a lot of time. B2G transaction saves time and botheration. This can, thus, enhance productivity.

C2C: Another type of transaction on the Net is consumer to consumer (C2C). This transaction is just an announcement for the sale and purchase of old things.