The objective of this research paper is to identify what Electronic Commerce or E-Commerce is, who might benefit from using E-Commerce, things to consider when setting up an E-Commerce system, and what type of impact E-Commerce has on our society. Electronic Commerce is the Electronic interchange of goods between business to business or business to consumer. Such transactions can take place from country to country, which is referred to foreign commerce. When transactions are in the same country, they are referred to as domestic commerce. Electronic Commerce is referred to as E-Commerce or EC when you see it written in journals and articles. Businesses that use E-Commerce are expanding their options for more customers. E-Commerce is all about selling. You or the company has to have the skills for writing E-mails and giving direct responses. We are in the age of E-commerce and have entered it with a passion. You need to have a plan or strategy when you get ready to start E-Commerce. The first component you must have is security. It is a must that you can make certain that your suppliers and customers can get the information that they need. There are many different ways to go about setting up your E-commerce. You can hire someone to come and look at your network, or they even have do-it-yourself starter kits, which you can purchase.
             In planning this strategy, there needs to be a common operating standard defined before E-Commerce activities can take place. Standards and protocols allow the exchange of data. New businesses should keep things as simple as possible when starting E-Commerce. Don't get into any long term agreements. Thus, if you should have to pull out, you are not penalized. There are different security standards that you or the company could use. One would be (SET) Secure Electronic Transaction, which is an open standard for sending secured payments over the Internet. This is the largest used by consumers. You must sec...