Electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal
and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly,
to work more closely with suppliers and partners, and to better
satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers.
In practice, e-business usually includes e-commerce. E-commerce
seeks to add revenue streams using the Worldwide Web or the
Internet to build and enhance relationships with clients and
partners and to improve efficiency. Often, e-commerce involves
the application of knowledge management systems.
E-business is more than just e-commerce. It involves business
processes spanning the entire value chain: electronic purchasing
and supply chain management, processing orders electronically,
handling customer service, and cooperating with business partners.
Special technical standards for e-business facilitate the exchange
of data between companies. E-business software solutions allow
the integration of intra and inter firm business processes.
E-business can be conducted using the Web, the Internet, intranets,
extranets, or some combination of these.
