This document discusses the rise of online platforms and marketplaces that enable commerce and work in increasingly efficient ways by connecting buyers and sellers via the internet. It notes that internet-enabled businesses like eBay sellers and Etsy shop owners are able to engage in international trade and start businesses with lower capital requirements compared to traditional small businesses. Platforms like Upwork (formerly Elance-oDesk) also allow freelancers and independent contractors to more easily find project-based work online.