Web Commerce Security Design and Development

Predictability

Predictability refers to the ability to know something about an entity in advance using information that might be incomplete. In computing systems, some of the data used to make predictions on future performance and situations includes functions to be performed, system characteristics, and the computing execution environment. Predictability in software design means that design methods and choices based on incomplete, preliminary system information are suitable for the final design stage.

In Web commerce, predictability and trust in conducting transactions is critical to the client and are a result of adherence to Web design standards. For example, online shopping transactions are in large measure predictable, in that the user understands how to select a product, what it will cost, how to place it in a shopping cart, and how to determine the expected delivery date. This predictability is important because the customer should be comfortable in doing business on a website and should not feel confused in navigating the site. Similarly, in transactions among business partners, predictable behavior is important in doing business and instilling trust in a business relationship.

Predictability in Web commerce is also important in the legal sense. Users assume that they have certain rights and protections when conducting Web transactions and this predictability is necessary for people to continue to participate in e-commerce. Related Web commerce predictability issues include: ...