As the end of the century draws near we are coming into a new technological era where business relies on information and consumer controlled content. E-commerce is the sale of products and/or services over the Internet that are shipped to the customers that order them via UPS, FedEx, USPS and other miscellaneous shippers. It is usually paid for by credit card or a pre-paid account. There are however, other means of paying. E-commerce, a small trend in some people's eyes, has made great strides and will change the way we do business in the next century.
There are simply too many e-businesses to name here but there are a few worth mentioning. Amazon.com, an on-line retailer, not only sells books but also offers many other products to its consumers. They offer everything from music to gifts and DVDs (Digital videodiscs). They have recently added auctions. Another is Homegrocer.com, which is what it sounds like; a grocery store on the Internet. This is a very good idea. It's simple to get what you need as long as you don't need it within the day. Shipping time is one day. One problem with this is that you can only have dry non-perishable foods shipped. The products are shipped one-day via FedEx (Ervin, F1). CarPoint is the Internet's on-line car retailer. Here customers can compare new and used models of cars that range from Hyundai to Porsches. The web site also offers financing and dealership lists, and will even find the car you want at a nearby dealer. However, you still have to sign on the dotted line at the dealership. Saturn.com has changed that and mixed it up a little. There you can order a custom built Saturn and have it delivered right to you door. Saturn's web site allows users to avoid the hassles of shopping for a car, but there is still that all-important test drive.
Last, there is the shining star of E-commerce, Cisco Systems, who through brilliant thinking, imaginative technological innovation, and hard work changed into a virtual enterprise in about three years.