When hearing the term “eBusiness” people commonly considered it synonymous with
“eCommerce.” Often vendors selling eCommerce software will refer to their product as an
“eBusiness Solution.” According to Dictionary.com, “Business” is defined as “the occupation,
work, or trade in which a person is engaged.” “Commerce” is defined as “the buying and selling
of goods, especially on a large scale, as between cities or nations.” Adding the e before these
terms does not change their definitions, but rather changes the means and methods we use to
achieve the objectives of our business and to facilitate commerce.
We will use the term eBusiness instead of eCommerce because it represents a more
comprehensive approach to the needs of most businesses. Others will use these terms
interchangeably. Although selling online (eCommerce) is a potential component of an Internet
marketing strategy, it is not feasible for many businesses and not successful for others. The focus
of this course is designed to help small businesses be “Internet enabled” or “Internet savvy”, to
embrace eBusiness, whether or not directly selling online is part of their strategy.
eBusiness is more than Internet marketing. It includes communications, data acquisition and
exchange, financial analysis, customer management, business research, production
technologies, building partnerships, and a wealth of other activities that are part of “doing
business.” What is changing is that we are now doing those same activities with computers, and
are increasingly conducting our business over the Internet. We are doing business electronically.
a. Using email for business correspondence
b. Buying business supplies and other items online
c. Using electronic accounting and inventory software
d. Using a customer contact database
e. Using computer design programs to make flyers and advertisements
f. Locating potential or new suppliers via the Internet
g. Electronic banking
h. Any other electronic means of doing business
