Electronic Commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services or the transfer of money over the Internet or an Intranet. This can involve stores or banking activities. Standards have been established to make the process easier and more secure.

E-commerce is the main reason a large number of Web sites exist on the Web. It has opened a whole new world for retailers, wholesalers, and other types of marketers. Those vendors range from the big guys (i.e., K-Mart, Walmart) to the smaller, lesser-known ones (i.e., individuals). In some cases, it has even made a few people very wealthy. But, for the most part, it has become another method of creating income, whether it be to make a living or just a little pocket change.

E-commerce is not slowing down. On the contrary, it is rapidly growing around the world, making for a true global economy.

There are several basic steps involved in becoming eCommerce Enabled.

Getting an Internet Merchant Bank Account
Web Hosting
Obtaining a Digital Certificate
Finding a Provider of Online Transactions
Creating or Purchasing a Shopping Cart Software