e-Business Advice

Date: 04 December 2008
Author: obrien_p
Last updated: 18/07/2004 23:28:50
Page Reference: ###currentlocid###

This section regarding e-business advice is split into two sections. This section is for self-employed traders and companies who would like to begin trading on the Internet and covers the necessary steps leading to an online presence.

Our second section is aimed at businesses who are already online but who may want advice regarding improving their web presence or moving up to an e-commerce solution.

Take me to section 2, I already have a web site

Read on if you want to find out about getting online.

If your company is intending to enter the world of e-commerce there are a few items that you require to have in place prior to deciding your site content.

Requirements include:

An Internet connection (ISP)
Domain Name (i.e.www.yourname.co.uk)
Email based on Domain Name
A hosting service
E-commerce software* (for DIY)
Online payment method*

*Links to pages covering these topics

Most Internet Service Providors (ISPs) can provide packages that include your first four requirements and if you approach a web developer they can usually provide the e-commerce requirements as part of their web site building service.
The online payment system is something that you may have to choose and set up yourself depending on your chosen e-commerce package.
Our advice would be to research the ISP services in advance of employing a developer so that you can evaluate the hosting package that is usually included in the developer's charges. Providing that you secure commercial level web space most services can cater for a number of differant web languages and functionality. Keep in mind, thought, that most developers will favour a particular platform and scripting lauguage and therefore your hosting choice could be dependant on this mixture of technologies.

Key links

Going Online - The Business Case Business benefits of being on the InternetUsing a Professional Developer The benefits involved in using a professional web developerHow to choose a Developer Advice on choosing the right professional for your web project.Choosing an ISP or Hosting Service Advice on how to choose an ISP that is right for you.

Improving Your Web Site Tips on marketing, search engines, e-commerce and content managementE-Commerce Software - Add-on shopping cart functionality Examples of e-commerce shopping cart systemse-Business Advice First key steps in obtaining an online web presence New E-Business Fact Sheets New Range of e-Business Fact SheetsLegal E-Business Fact Sheets A range of downloadable fact sheets on legal issues relating to e-business, email and the Internet.

This is a printable version of www.hie.co.uk/argyll/ebAdvice.html

to view this page please visit the site and click e-Business Advice on the menu.