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Introduction
E-business is the use of Internet technologies to improve and transform key business processes. This means web-enabling core processes to strengthen customer service operations, streamline supply chains and reach existing and new customers.
E-business can be limited to going on-line with email and/or a website, or can extend to the business process of e-commerce whereby products, goods and services are sold electronically via the Internet, and dealers/suppliers can be linked online reducing lag time and paperwork.
For many organisations, the first step into the world of e-business is going on-line, developing a website strategy and then designing a website to put the strategy into action.
For information about the infrastructure required for e-business, please see the IT section of this e-resource centre.
Companies are going to be conducting ever-increasing amounts of their business via electronic means so it is important that practitioners make themselves aware of the impact of e-commerce. E-commerce is revolutionising the way in which business and Government is conducted but there are regulations to be mindful of. Selling via the internet is covered by the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 whilst collecting or handling personal data using the internet falls under the Data Protection Act. The Distance Selling Regulations can be viewed on the website of The Office of Fair Trading.
The VAT on E-commerce Directive (2002/38/EC) took effect from 1 July 2003 and deals with electronically supplied services and whether VAT is payable. In May 2006, the European commission adopted a proposal which would extend the application period of this directive to December 2008.
The DBERR (formerly the DTI and BRC) has worked with Business Links to develop a website for Achieving Best Practice in Your Business. This site provides you with a toolkit of practical business advice. It contains hundreds of best practice guides, case studies and fact sheets - and a range of online, self-assessment tools. In particular, it has an IT and e-commerce section which discusses how to plan for and set up e-commerce systems in your business.
Visit the Electronic Payments website which has been developed by Business Link and Scottish Enterprise.
Technology Means Business (TMB) is part of UK Online For Business and is a scheme committed to raising the standard of ICT and business advice to small and medium sized enterprises through an accreditation process. Visit Technology Means Business to become an accredited adviser, or to look for advice from an accredited adviser.
Many organisations offer e-business solutions. The Specialist section gives a sample of such organisations. It is a valuable safeguard to ensure that any specialist or consultant hired is TMB accredited.