BUSINESS TO CONSUMER B2C

While the term e-commerce refers to all online transactions, B2C stands for "business-to-consumer" and applies to any business or organization that sells its products or services to consumers over the Internet for its own use. When most people think of B2C e-commerce, they think of Amazon, the online bookseller that launched its site in 1995 and quickly took on the nation's major retailers. In addition to online retailers, B2C has grown to include services such as online banking, travel services, online auctions, health information and real estate sites. Peer-to-peer sites such as Craigslist also fall under the B2C category.
B2C e-commerce went through some tough times, particularly after the technology-heavy Nasdaq crumbled in 2000. In the ensuing dotcom carnage, hundreds of e-commerce sites shut their virtual doors and some experts predicted years of struggle for online retail ventures. Since then, however, shoppers have continued to flock to the web in increasing numbers. In fact, North American consumers adopted e-commerce so much that despite growing fears about identity theft, they spent $172 billion shopping online in 2005, up from $38.8 billion in 2000.
By 2010, consumers are expected to spend $329 billion each year online, according to Forrester Research. What’s more, the percentage of U.S. households shopping online is expected to grow from 39 percent this year to 48 percent in 2010.
In October 2010, an extension of B2C, B21 was coined (sometimes referred to as B2I). While B2C includes all manners of a business marketing or selling to consumers, B21 is specifically targeted towards an individual. B21 requires specific Personalization for that individual. B21 requires Insight in order to create the personalized experience.

ENTERPRICE RESOURCING PLANNING

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrates internal and external management information across an entire organization, embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, CRM, etc. ERP systems automate this activity with an integrated software application. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.
ERP systems can run on a variety of hardware and network configurations, typically employing a database to store data.
ERP systems typically include the following characteristics:

• An integrated system that operates in real time (or next to real time), without relying on periodic updates.^{[citation needed]}
• A common database, which supports all applications.
• A consistent look and feel throughout each module.
• Installation of the system without elaborate application/data integration by the Information Technology (IT) department.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Information and communications technology or information and communication technology, usually called ICT, is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT) but is usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals), intelligent building management systems and audio-visual systems in modern information technology. ICT consists of all technical means used to handle information and aid communication, including computer and network hardware, communication middleware as well as necessary software. In other words, ICT consists of IT as well as telephony, broadcast media, all types of audio and video processing and transmission and network based control and monitoring functions. The expression was first used in 1997 in a report by Dennis Stevenson to the UK government and promoted by the new National Curriculum documents for the UK in 2000.

ICT is often used in the context of "ICT roadmap" to indicate the path that an organization will take with their ICT needs.

The term ICT is now also used to refer to the merging (convergence) of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic incentives (huge cost savings due to elimination of the telephone network) to merge the audio-visual, building management and telephone network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution and management. See VOIP and Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM). This in turn has spurred the growth of organizations with the term ICT in their names to indicate their specialization in the process of merging the different network systems.

e-commerce Vs e-business

E-business versus e-commerce

Interchangeable terms? The terms ‘e-commerce’ and ‘e-business’ are often used interchangeably but what do these words really mean? e-commerce refers to online transactions - buying and selling of goods and/or services over the Internet.  e-business covers online transactions, but also extends to all Internet based interactions with business partners, suppliers and customers such as: selling direct to consumers, manufacturers and suppliers; monitoring and exchanging information; auctioning surplus inventory; and collaborative product design. These online interactions are aimed at improving or transforming business processes and efficiency. Potential e-business benefits include: Improved accuracy, quality and time required for updating and delivering information on products and/or services. Access for customers to catalogues and prices - 24 hours x 7 days. Improved ease, speed and immediacy of customer ordering. Enhanced market, industry or competitor intelligence acquired through information gathering and research activities. New distribution channels via the electronic delivery of some products and services, for example, product design collaboration, publications, software, translation services, banking, etc. Expansion of customer base and growth in export opportunities. Reduces routine administrative tasks (invoices and order records) freeing staff to focus on more strategic activities.