Explain the different electronic commerce (EC) business ...

[lracut11]

Explain the different electronic commerce (EC) business strategies.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Briefly explain, with an example, the capability of the Web to integrate information.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[brittiany.barnes]

Answer to Question 1

There are three different electronic commerce business strategies:
 Brick-and-mortar business strategy-Companies following this business strategy choose to operate solely in the traditional physical markets. These companies approach business activities in a traditional manner by operating physical locations such as retail stores, and not offering their products or services online.
 Click-only business strategy-Companies following this business strategy (i.e., virtual companies) conduct business electronically in cyberspace. These firms have no physical store locations, allowing them to focus purely on EC. In e-business terminology, click-only companies are sometimes called pure play companies, focusing on one very distinct way of doing business.
 Click-and-mortar business strategy-Firms pursuing this strategy choose to operate in both physical and virtual arenas. This business strategy is also referred to as the bricks-and-clicks business strategy.

Answer to Question 2

Web technologies allow for integration of information via Web sites that can be linked to corporate databases to provide real-time access to personalized information. Customers no longer have to rely on old information from printed catalogs or account statements that arrive in the mail once a month. For example, like nearly every other major airline, US Airways (www.usairways.com) dynamically adjusts fares based on availability, booking time, current and historical demand, forecast demand, and other factors to maximize revenues. The most current fares are disseminated in real-time on the company's Web site. This is particularly important for companies operating in highly competitive environments such as the airline industry. Furthermore, US Airways offers its valued customers the ability to check the balances of their frequent-flyer accounts, linking customers to information stored on the firm's corporate database. Customers do not have to wait for monthly statements to see if they are eligible for travel benefits.