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Sunday, April 4, 2010

Ch 3 Week Four Questions - eBusiness

1. What is an IP Address? What is it’s main function?

I.P. stands for Internet Protocol. Each computer on the internet has an I.P. address. This can either be private or public, however every address must be unique.

It’s main function is to lay out a set of guidelines and implementations of specific networking protocols to enable computers to communicate over a network. It provides end-to-end connectivity specifying how data should be formatted, addressed, transmitted, routed and received at the destination. (Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCP/IP_model).

2. What is Web 2.0, how does it differ from 1.0?

Web 2.0 is a set of economic, social and technology trends that collectively form the basis for the next generation of the internet. A more mature, distinctive medium characterised by user participation, openness and network effects. It is referred to as the Live Web. Users have the opportunity to collaborate and build their own content using this service.

It refers to changes in the ways software developers and end-users use the web as a platform. It’s a new way of doing business- online.

Web 1.0 was about reading, Web 2.0 is about writing
Web 1.0 was about companies, Web 2.0 is about communities
Web 1.0 was about client-server, Web 2.0 is about peer to peer
Web 1.0 was about HTML, Web 2.0 is about XML
Web 1.0 was about home pages, Web 2.0 is about blogs

Many things have changed since the web culture has revolutionised. Webmaster and user interaction no longer depends on direct means of communication rather a whole new system of social interaction has evolved that includes really simple syndication and also the use of social networking sites.

























Retreived from: http://www.sizlopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/web1_0-vs-web2_0.png.

3. What is 3.0?

Web 3.o uses the concept of tagging to build information about you. Your devices talk to each other and build intelligence about you.

Web 3.0 is expected to turn the web into a database, evolution towards a 3D form, grow towards artificial intelligence through using different medias and transform towards a semantic web.

Calcanis defines Web 3.0 as the creation of high-quality content and services produced by gifted individuals using Web 2.0 technology as an enabling platform.

(http://calacanis.com/2007/10/03/web-3-0-the-official-definition/)

4. Describe the different methods an organisation can use to access information.

Intranet- A private computer network that uses internet portal technologies to securely share any part of an organisation's information or operational systems within that organisation. It allows an organisation to provide access to information and application software to only its employees. It can host multiple private websites and constitute an important component and focal point of internal communication and collaboration e.g. benefits, entitlements. It is very beneficial for providing organisational information to employees.

Extranet- An internet that is available to strategic allies (customers, suppliers, partners). This is beneficial for businesses as individuals outside the company can access intranet based information and application software such as order processing. It offers a competitive advantage as customers, partners and vendors can all access the same area. Refer to the following link for more information: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extranet).

Portal- A technology that provides access to information. A website that offers a broad range of resources and services e.g. email, online discussion groups, search engines, online shopping (eBay). General portals (yahoo, google) and niche portals (fool.com) exist to meet a range of needs.

Kiosk- A publicly accessible computer system that allows interactive information browsing. The computer's operating system is not shown in view and the program runs in a full screen mode, providing details of navigation for users.

5. What is eBusiness, how does it differ from eCommerce?

ebusiness is the conducting of business on the internet, including buying and selling, serving customers and collaborating with business partners. eCommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. Therefore, the major difference is that eBusiness also conducts online exchanges of information ie a bank allowing you to check your statements online.

6. List and describe the various eBusiness models?

Business-to-Business (B2B): Businesses who buy from and sell to each other over the internet. E.g. electronic marketplaces- where multiple buyers and sellers take part in eBusiness activities.






















Retrieved from: (http://ausweb.scu.edu.au/aw03/papers/stein_______/procfigure1.gif)

Business-to-Consumer(B2C): Applies to businesses that sell their products and services to consumers over the internet. Corporate Express is an example of a business who provides this service selling office supplies, furniture, print etc.





















Retrieved from : (http://thierrygagnon.com/IMG/jpg/Corporate_Express-2.jpg
)

Consumer-to-Business(C2B):
Applies to any consumer that sells a product or service to a business over the internet. E.g. a web master offering advertising services on Amazon.com.

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Applies to sites primarily offering goods and services to assist consumers interacting with each other over the internet. E.g. eBay ties people together who have similiar tastes in items and like-minded budget frames. C2C online communities interact via email groups, web-based discussion forums or chat rooms. This model is consumer-driven and opportunities are available to satisfy most consumer needs.

7. List 3 metrics you would use if you were hired to assess the effectiveness and the efficiency of an eBusiness website?

Cookie: As it contains information about customers and their web activities. (It records their comings and goings).

Click-through: As it guarantees exposure to target ads.

Banner Ad: As tracking the number of banner ad clicks provides a way to understand the effectiveness of the ad on its target audience.

8. Outline 2 opportunities and 2 challenges faced by companies doing business online?

Opportunities:

A rise (increase) in customer loyalty as there are more communication streams open with the chance for more queries/questions and, therefore, faster assistance, response and answers.

A decrease in cost as communication over the internet saves time and is much faster than face-to-face meetings and telephone calls.

Challenges:

Consumers must be protected online at all times. It can be hard to manage as it's not face-to-face and misunderstanding can occur. They must be protected against unsolicited goods and communication, illegal or harmful goods (weapons). Insufficient information can sometimes be given about goods or their suppliers and the invasion of privacy and cyberfraud can occur.

Providing security can be a challenge as accidental and malicious misuse can occur as well as information being leaked out internally or externally.

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