- E-commerce involves conducting business electronically through technologies like email, electronic catalogs, and electronic funds transfer. The two main types are business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B).
- B2B e-commerce provides advantages like shorter procurement cycles, lower costs, and access to global markets. However, it also poses risks like disintermediation and security issues.
- Standards like Open Trading Protocol and Open Buying on the Internet are emerging to facilitate B2B e-commerce over the internet through establishing common protocols. Industries like automotive are adopting e-commerce by linking suppliers electronically.