The meaning of the word E-Commerce

(Read the Malay version here)

The word E-Commerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods or services through electronic networks and other activities related to these activities.

E-Commerce was first introduced during the 1970's via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). EDI services enable organizations to exchange information on business transactions. While EFT service is specifically for the exchange of financial information.

E-commerce grew rapidly during the 1990s when Tim Berners Lee introduced the World Wide Web (Web). Through the Web, virtual business concept emerged. For example, Amazon.com and Dell.com have begun to use the Internet as their primary sales channel during this era.

E-Commerce activities can be classified into the following stages:
1. Communication.
2. Booking.
3. Payment.
4. Delivery.
(Read more about the E-Commerce level)