What is E-business?(definition)

E-Business (electronic business) is, in its simplest form, the conduct of business on the Internet. It is a more generic term than eCommerce because it refers to not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners.

IBM, in 1997, was one of the first to use the term when it launched a campaign built around the term. Today, many corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its capabilities. Companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. Exploiting the convenience, availability, and global reach of the Internet, many companies, both large and small have already discovered how to use the Internet successfully.

Increasingly, much direct selling (or e-tailing) is taking place on the Internet of computer-related equipment and software. One of the first to report sales in the millions of dollars directly from the Web was Dell Computer. Travel bookings directly or indirectly as a result of Web research are becoming significant. Custom-orderable golf clubs and similar specialties are considered good prospects for the immediate future.

With the security built into today's browsers and with digital certificates now available for individuals and companies from Verisign, a certificate issuer, much of the early concern about the security of business transaction on the Web has abated and e-business by whatever name is accelerating.