The exponential growth of Internet popularity and the evolution of technological capabilities have forever transformed the way business is being conducted. This transformation, the use of Internet technology to market and deliver a company’s product and services over the Web, is known as electronic commerce. With only a computer, browser, and Internet connection, millions of worldwide consumers can go shopping at any time and any place to purchase such things as cars, airline tickets, flowers, prescriptions, books, and investment stocks.

The success of electronic commerce, or e-commerce, is evidenced by the value of online transactions ranging in the billions of dollars per year. Businesses, both big and small, are racing to put up virtual storefronts to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist when conducting business over the Internet.

Sales are strengthened as the Web opens new markets and offers companies the opportunity to become truly global in reach. Customer relations improve as the company provides more information and communication with customers through their Web presence and offer more one-on-one marketing for specific needs.

One of the best ways to learn about electronic commerce is to experience it in action on the Internet, where it all takes place in the virtual malls and from individual company virtual storefronts.