E-Commerce and M-Commerce Implementation Techniques

E-COMMERCE AND M-COMMERCE IMPLEMENTATION TECHNIQUES
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E-commerce and M-commerce Implementation Techniques
Electronic commerce refers to the use of the internet to perform business transactions, that is, the exchange of any service or product via the internet by use of electronic means. On the other hand, mobile commerce refers to the use of cellular devices such as the use of phones for transaction purposes. E-commerce has a broader history, which dates back in the 1970’s as compared to m-commerce which was innovated in the 1990’s. In the real sense, the concept of m-commerce was originally established on the lines of e-commerce and is an upgraded form of e-commerce (Bhatti 2015). E-commerce and m-commerce transactions can be divided into various business models which include business to business, business to consumer, consumer to business and consumer to consumer types of transactions.
The platform of e-commerce is a website which is visited by the use of any device connected to the internet. On the other hand, m-commerce is a form of e-commerce, which is tailored to the mobile experience which involves the use of either a mobile e-commerce application or a mobile optimized website. A number of transactions are carried out using mobile commerce, including mobile money transfer and bill payments, m-banking, purchases via mobile apps and the web and mobile financial services (Turban et al. 2015). The major difference between the two techniques is that transactions are performed by the use of computers and laptops when applying the e-commerce while m-commerce involves the use of smartphones, iPad, tablets and other portable personal assistant gadgets. In addition, e-commerce requires the use of the internet which is not mandatory in m-commerce. Both methods do not involve personal interaction between the buyer and seller (Huang & Benyoucef 2013). In today’s business world, both e-commerce and m-commerce are required to run a successful online business as they provide a website that serves all the audience regardless of the devices used to access the seller’s store.
Technology has had a key impact on both e-commerce and m-commerce and as a result, the sector has experienced major advancements. One major trend is the use of web pages and mobile applications that facilitate dynamic product search. Most sites and applications rely on technologies such as Ajax and JavaScript to improve product search results (Benlian, Titah & Hess 2012). The unique characteristic helps the customers to browse the website of the company quickly without loading every page separately.
Another trend in e-commerce is the introduction of motion animation in web design. This characteristic provides an efficient way of product demonstration. The feature provides the customers with emotions relating to the products on sale and a memorable shopping experience. This also enables the customers to make an informed choice in the products they prefer from the wide range of services explained and products displayed on the web page (Turban et al. 2009). The trend is important for industries which provide products that require impulse purchases such as the fashion and design industry, gift shops and jewelry.
Improved design patterns are another trend that has had a positive impact on e-commerce and m-commerce. The introduction of common interface design pattern has improved the clarity for the use of interfaces among the users. When using the improved design patterns, it is not necessary to create a new interface for the new users as opposed to the traditional design patterns (Glob, 2015). This type of interface improves navigation of the websites and as a result, improves the shopping experience of the customers. The interface also facilitates video marketing hence enabling the business to remain competitive and attract more customers.
Another trend in e-commerce is the introduction of real-time analytics. As opposed to the traditional analytics, which involved a time-intensive process when identifying the existing problems and trends the real-time analytics is effective and less time consuming when performing the stated functions (Kopec 2016). The traditional analytics did not provide a platform for immediate customer assistance which often led to the loss of the customers. However, with the improved version, the business support is able to monitor the behavior of the customers and offer assistance and interact with the clients when needed. This leads to attraction of customers and as a result, increases the sales.
Research reveals a potential for mobile commerce to gain more influence as compared to e-commerce due to its portability characteristic. Mobile devices have experienced notable advancement that has led to increased use of smartphones, tablets, iPads and such like devices. Today, a large percentage of the population uses these devices, and this gives a promise that the application of m-banking will continue to dominate over other business transaction methods.
There are different methods that a business can use to acquire a new website. These web development methods include the use of content management system (CMS), coding and use of third parties. Each of these methods is applicable in different business contexts due to their ability to provide different opportunities to a business.
Coding as a web development method involves coming up with all the features and details relating to the desired website from scratch. Different languages such as the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and the cascading style sheets (CSS) are used when coding a website. HTML is the type of language that gives content meaning and structure by defining the content like paragraphs, heading, or images (Web Development 2013). The CSS language is created to style the content of the website by the use of colors and fonts. When coding a website, the owner is required to carry out research on the desirable features of the website and then code the languages in a way that ensures that the website portray all the features.
The other method of acquiring a website is the use of content management system. CMS is a computer application that facilitates the formation and modification of a website using a common interface. Versions of CMS vary widely with some exhibiting features such as format management, web-based format, indexing, version control, search, and retrieval. Content management systems facilitate separation of presentation and content. Besides the formation and modification of websites, the systems also support the management of...