This book is designed to acquaint the readers with major aspects of e-commerce with particular emphasis on technology such as cryptography, e-payment and mobile payment security. The book presents a layered architecture of e-commerce systems with six layers. The physical layer (the bottommost layer) described first, provides the basic communication infrastructure needed by e commerce. The next layer described is the logical layer consisting of Local Area Networks, the Internet, Intranet, etc. which provide connectivity. The layer above is the network services layer which provides e-mail and World Wide Web applications. Above this is a very important messaging layer of e-commerce which provides facilities for exchanging messages securely using the communication infrastructure. Here various methods of encryption, public key infrastructure and digital signature are discussed. It is also explained as to how the messaging layer is used to exchange structured electronic documents, using XML. The next layer called middleman services layer, describes the design of home page of an organization and elaborates various payment services such as credit card, e cash, smart card, etc. The topmost layer is on applications, namely, B2C, B2B and C2C e commerce which are defined and described at the beginning of the book. As use of mobile phones and mobile network is rapidly increasing, a whole chapter is devoted to explain m-commerce. Of special interest are detailed discussions of Wireless Application Protocol, security issues and payment methods. A complete chapter is also devoted to new developments in multimedia information goods such as e-books, MP3 compressed audio and digital quality video. A unique feature of these goods is the method of delivery which also uses the mobile Internet infrastructure. Finally, the legal framework of e-commerce provided by the Information Technology Act 2000 (and the amended act of 2008) is explained. This book with its numerous student-friendly features is an ideal text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Computer Science and Information Technology (BSc and MSc), Computer Applications (BCA and MCA), and for undergraduate engineering students of Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology. Besides, it would be useful to professionals for quickly understanding the basics of e commerce. Key Features : • Gives detailed discussions of security and payment schemes in e-commerce. • Discusses essentials of m-commerce technology including WAP protocol and mobile security. • Discusses e-commerce of multimedia such as e-books, MP3 audio and video on demand. • Provides learning aids such as chapter summaries, over 300 review questions and 350 objective type questions.

Based on the authors' market-leading E-Commerce. Business. Technology. Society., this brief book offers the same thought-provoking and current content but in a brief format. E-Commerce Essentials emphasizes the three major driving forces behind E-commerce--technology change, business development, and social issues--to provide a coherent conceptual framework for understanding the field.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. Based on the authors' market-leading E-Commerce. Business. Technology. Society., this brief book offers the same thought-provoking and current content but in a brief format. E-Commerce Essentials emphasizes the three major driving forces behind E-commerce—technology change, business development, and social issues—to provide a coherent conceptual framework for understanding the field.

The growth of the Internet continues to influence our lives and businesses. Irrespective of their type and size, all firms and organizations are rethinking their strategies and operations. An increasing number of businesses are using e-commerce to gain competitive advantage. However, doing e-commerce is complex and requires understanding a vast array of topics. This book provides coverage of essential topics in E-commerce i.e. technology infrastructure, building blocks of e-commerce, online marketing, online payment systems, online business models, online business environment issues, website usability, e-commerce strategy, mobile commerce, and e-CRM/e-SCM. Compared with available texts on e-commerce, the perspective of this book is global e-commerce. The book is written in simple language, provides up-to-date coverage of material and associated research, and filled with examples to support material presented. This book is useful for undergrad and graduate students, professionals, and anyone looking to gain a solid foundation to continue their learning of dynamic e-commerce environment.

Introduction to E-commerce discusses the foundations and key aspects of E-commerce while focusing on the latest developments in the E-commerce industry. Practical case studies offer a useful reference for dealing with various issues in E-commerce such as latest applications, management techniques, or psychological methods. Dr. Zheng Qin is currently Director of the E-Commerce Institute of Xi’an Jiaotong University.