Communication Technology Update, 9th Edition

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Internet Commerce

Nicole Hacker & Jessica Sifford

Also referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce), Internet commerce is a rapidly changing and expanding industry that has been significantly enhanced by the growth in overall Internet usage and computer access. More and more corporations are turning to the Internet to increase business and remain competitive. The terms Internet/e-commerce and electronic business (e-business) are often used interchangeably without the realization of similarities and/or differences. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, e-commerce is characterized as “any transaction completed over a computer mediated network that involves the transfer of ownership or rights to use goods or services” (Mesenbourg, 1999). ...