Lecture Note: Internet Technologies
and E-Commerce
1. Introduction
E-Commerce (Electronic Commerce): Buying and selling goods/services, and
transmitting funds or data, over electronic networks—primarily the Internet.
Internet Technologies: Tools, protocols, and systems that enable communication,
transactions, and collaboration in e-commerce.
2. Types of E-Commerce
B2C (Business to Consumer) – Online retail, e.g., Amazon.
B2B (Business to Business) – Wholesale transactions, supply chain integration.
C2C (Consumer to Consumer) – Platforms like eBay, OLX.
C2B (Consumer to Business) – Freelance services, content creators.
G2C / G2B (Government to Citizen/Business) – E-governance, tax filing.
3. Key Internet Technologies in E-Commerce
A. Networking and Communication: TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, DNS, Email, VoIP.
B. Web Technologies: Web servers, browsers, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Web 2.0/3.0.
C. Transaction Technologies: Electronic payments, SSL/TLS encryption, blockchain,
smart contracts.
D. Databases and Cloud Computing: Storage of catalogs, customer data, cloud platforms
(AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
4. Infrastructure for E-Commerce
Hardware: Servers, storage, networking devices.
Software: E-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce).
Telecommunications: Broadband, mobile internet, 5G.
Security Tools: Firewalls, IDS/IPS, anti-malware.
5. Security in E-Commerce
Threats: Hacking, phishing, data breaches, payment fraud.
Solutions: Encryption (SSL/TLS), authentication (2FA, biometrics), digital certificates,
cybersecurity policies.
6. Business Models in E-Commerce
E-Tail: Online stores (Amazon, Alibaba).
Marketplaces: Platforms connecting buyers & sellers (eBay).
Subscription Services: Netflix, SaaS (Software as a Service).
Freemium Models: Basic service free, premium features paid.
7. Advantages of E-Commerce
24/7 availability.
Global market reach.
Lower operating costs.
Personalized customer experiences (AI & big data).
8. Challenges in E-Commerce
Security and privacy risks.
Logistics and last-mile delivery.
Payment system limitations in developing countries.
Legal and regulatory compliance (taxes, consumer rights).
9. Future Trends in Internet & E-Commerce
AI & Machine Learning – Personalized shopping, chatbots.
Blockchain – Transparent supply chains, secure payments.
AR/VR – Virtual shopping experiences.
5G & IoT – Faster, smarter transactions and services.
Green IT – Sustainable e-commerce practices.