Business to Business Electronic Commerce

The second category of B2B eCommerce (business infrastructure) includes a variety of business interactions not directly related to the traditional purchase and sale of goods and services in the supply chain or value chain. The value-added services provided through these digital networks create the digital business infrastructure for New Economy companies. In this highly interconnected environment, firms focus on more narrowly defined core competencies and outsource many processes to firms specializing in providing these real-time digital services. These include adserver networks, digital content syndication and configuration, content delivery maximization, website hosting and maintenance, customer acquisition (through affiliate relationships), real-time data mining, order fulfillment, payment processing, encryption, and many other digital processes. In addition, many companies outsource physical processes related to electronic commerce, such as outbound logistics (delivery) and even order fulfillment. Thousands of new companies have been formed in the last four years to provide these digital services (also known as web services or eServices). Some are generic services available to all, while others are industry-specific. These value chain networks will be addressed in the final section of this book.

This book addresses managerial and research issues related to all aspects of B2B eCommerce. The 13 chapters of this volume cover the environment of B2B eCommerce, supply chain management issues, value chain networks, and related research issues in three sections. Topics include EDI, exchanges, trust, manufacturing connectedness, automated tendering, virtual alliances, and B2X networks. The chapters are lively, with examples from industry. They also provide new scholarly perspectives on these important new markets and the processes that create and support them.

The contributions within this book are written by a collection of respected academic scholars from leading universities around the world and also by consultants with extensive experience creating, advising, and evaluating the new companies in this emerging field. Their work will be helpful to managers who seek guidance and insight into the strategic and operational questions arising from participation in this dynamic new environment. The findings contained within these chapters also constitute a valuable resource to researchers who seek to extend their understanding of the principles describing these networks and processes. Further, educators can use this book as a source of teaching material and classroom discussion to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for this emerging New Economy. Finally, public policy analysts and public leaders need to understand this important new driver of economic growth. All students of business from all perspectives will benefit from the rich analysis contained within the chapters of this book.