With advances in technology, computers are able to communicate more with other devices, over several networks, such as the internet; as a result many consumers and business are realizing the potential advantages of electronic business models. (1) Consumers use networks, such as the internet, to identify sellers, evaluate products and services, and compare prices while businesses use networks for production, to streamline procurement processes, to reach new customers, and for internal operations. (1) In such a way the use of information systems and the internet may revolutionize how business is conducted.

Electronic commerce, or e-commerce, provides a quick and easy way of exchanging goods and services on a regional and global scale. (2) In 2007, it was estimated that online retail generated $175 billion in revenue in America alone. (2) Business to consumer transactions (B2C) are seen in industries including travel services, consumer electronics, books and media distribution, and sports and fitness. (2) It seems imperative for traditional companies to integrate e-bussiness models to survive in our current technology driven economy. Many industries are likely to benefit from the growth in e-commerce. Amongst these include online travel services, such as Expedia, online retailers, such as Amazon, consumer electronics, such as Sony, financial transaction services, such as PayPal, shipping services, such as FedEx, and e-commerce software companies, such as GSI Commerce. (2)

GSI Commerce, or GSIC, is a global e-commerce outsourcing firm for retailors that wish to sell over the internet but do not yet have online presence. (3) Up-front costs of creating a website in house may be too high for some companies, thus outsourcing is essential. GSI provides basic software to run a client’s website, as well as taking care of shipping, logistics, and customer service and in return collects a portion of the company’s profits from the city. (3) Thus, such companies could aide small business survival in the current economy, while profiting themselves.

1)      http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/ebusines.htm

2)      http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/E-Commerce

3)      http://www.wikinvest.com/wiki/GSI_Commerce_(GSIC)