Electronic Commerce or E Commerce is exactly analogous to a marketplace on the Internet. E Commerce consists primarily of the distributing, buying, selling, marketing and servicing of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks.

What it is:

E Commerce covers a wide range of business activities and processes. E-Commerce professionals plan, manage, supervise, and market electronic business operations, products, and services provided online via the Internet. To be successful, businesses have to keep pace with the wants of consumers and offer their products or services online. Today’s global economy depends on those who have training in e commerce.

Training:

E-Commerce degrees and certificate programs combine conventional business disciplines with specialized courses in electronic commerce. Since e commerce is largely linked to technology, you will find that coursework will consist of things other than traditional business fundamentals. In E commerce training you will take classes such as database management, web design, systems analysis and Internet technologies. Other areas such as HTML, computer programming, cyber security and networking, routing will also be introduced. You will also take courses in customer service, business planning, marketing and financial management. This kind of curriculum can prepare you to succeed in the world of e commerce.

Outlook:

When you have solid e commerce training, job opportunities will present themselves. Those who are best qualified and have earned a degree in e commerce are in great demand. For many businesses in fact, employees are required to have knowledge of
e commerce and e business.

* The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that $1.6 trillion of shipments, revenues and sales in the U.S. in 2003 were E-commerce activity. What's more, E-commerce grew 11.2% from 2002 to 2003. E-commerce, by the U.S. Department of Commerce's definition, encompasses goods and services sold online, via open networks like the Internet.