Resources Required for Successful e-business Implementation

Like any business, an e-business needs the classic resources of money, men and machines (hardware). Beyond these, however, conducting business electronically calls for additional resources devoted to building and running a website, and for measures that keep the firm's data and transactions secure.

The Website

• What a website is: The term 'website' combines 'web' (the world wide web, or www) and 'site' (a location). A website is therefore a firm's location on the world wide web. It is not a physical place; rather, it is an online embodiment of all the content that a firm may wish to make available to others.
• Resources it requires: Over and above the basic hardware, an e-business needs resources for developing the website in the first place, and then for operating, maintaining and enhancing it over time, so that it stays functional, up to date and useful to visitors.

Security of Data and Transactions

Because business is conducted over open networks, protecting information becomes essential. Two major threats and their remedies are discussed below.

• Viruses (VIRUS = Vital Information Under Siege): A virus is a program, that is, a series of commands, which replicates itself onto other computer systems. Its effects range in severity across four levels:
  • Level-1 virus: mere annoyance, such as some unwanted on-screen display.
  • Level-2 virus: disruption of the functioning of the system.
  • Level-3 virus: damage to the target data files.
  • Level-4 virus: complete destruction of the system.
• Anti-virus protection: Installing anti-virus programmes, updating them in a timely manner, and regularly scanning files and disks with them protects a firm's data files, folders and systems against virus attacks. …