Evaluating E-Commerce Problems - Thesis Example

Table of Contents 1- Introduction 4 1. What is Second Life? 6 1.1. Why is Second Life successful? 6 1.2. What are the characteristics of majority of Second Life users? (For example: are they male or female?, how old are they?, what country are they from?, etc. 8 1.3. Who invented Second Life? 9 1.4. What are the technological, human, and financial resources need to support the Second Life infra-structure? 10 1.5. Is Second Life a profitable venture for the owners? For the users? If so how does it make money for the second life owners? and How do users make money? 10 12 1.6. What function does Second Life serve or cater to from the following perspectives: sociological, economical, and technological? 12 1.7. What are the key eCommerce concepts apparent in Second Life? 13 2. Web 2.0 and E-Commerce Site 15 2.1. 1. Analyse and describe the key components of Web 2.0 in relation to E-Commerce or that can be used to enhance E-Commerce or Portal applications; 16 2.2. 2. Analyse Web 2.0 applications per industry group that can be classified as a ‘best-practice’ or most advanced in this area example. Describe commonalities and differences between the Web 2.0 applications in the industries. 17 2.3. Describe how Web 2.0 can or is adding value to the different types of user groups relevant for that industry (e.g. in Travel, the traveller, the agent, the airline, etc. In Health, the healthcare provider, the patient, the insurance party. In Government, the municipalities, the citizens, etc.) 18 2.4. Analyze the business benefit from the perspective of these companies, in terms of incremental revenues, increased customer satisfaction, increased brand perception and value. 20 2.5. Develop a framework (possibly industry group specific) for moving from the current situation towards Web 2.0 Portal applications. 20 3. E-Commerce Performance 21 3.1. As an IT Specialist Identify E-commerce hidden or potential hurdles? Explain briefly each hurdle or pitfall under headings. 21 3.1.1 Hurdles or Pitfall 21 3.2. How can you eliminate risk in E-Commerce process by reducing various threats and vulnerabilities? Explain briefly under headings. 23 4. Conclusion 26 5. References 27 Report Overview: This research is going to investigate a modern and innovative ecommerce business that is second life. Second life is a 3D virtual world that helps people meet other people, communicate, and have an innovative experience of a world that is full of special features and attractions. This research is also aimed to outline some important aspects regarding new web that is WEB 2.0. Here I will also outline some potential hurdles in the E-commerce. This research is based on three parts. The first part is about the analysis of the website Second Life (SL). The next section will outline some important aspects regarding the Web 2.0 and third section will discuss some main aspects regarding potential hurdles in the ecommerce business implementation. 1- Introduction Linden Lab is offering a lot of several e-commerce improvements to Second Life after obtaining the main web-based marketplaces intended for virtual goods. Through these facilities Second Life 'residents' are able to locate virtual goods for sale, as well as offer merchants from broader channels to sell their products. The move from part of some strategic plan underway inside the virtual world, that Linden Lab hopes will augment the amount of Second Life users in 2010. Linden Lab is offering and augmenting its footprint in the virtual world industry in the course of four main initiatives: localising the SL experience in main marketplaces although the globe; simplifying the 'first hour experience' to widen customer acceptance; attracting the customer to the online business platform intended for enterprise users; as well as building our virtual goods marketplace. Presently there a lot of ecommerce business model are available on the web. The web based advertisement, online selling, commission based selling, bidding and a lot of ecommerce business models are used now a days. In this scenario there is a new innovative business model emerging that is combining all these aspects to a single place. This idea has placed by the new 3-D virtual world of the Second Life. This is an innovative concept that is placed regarding the new generation customers attraction at a place that offers better interaction, communication, business products and other services at a single place. In this scenario business of the Second Life is offering more enhanced support and offering different businesses to have online promotions, selling, and support same as before like they have on the web based platforms. This offers them a better support in case of business handling and management. Part 1 1. What is Second Life? Second Life is a 3-D virtual community developed completely through its membership. Additionally, the members presume an identity and start residence in second life environment, making a changeable/ customized personage or avatar to demonstrate them. The personage or avatar moves about in the second world’s 3-D virtual world through instinctive keyboard buttons and mouse control (Kalning). Figure 1- Second Life Logo- Source-[http://static.open.salon.com/files/secondlife_11223658181.jpg] 1.1. Why is Second Life successful? One of most important reasons of success of the second life is its quality of offering real world experience. Since, in this world a person can do everything that he is not able to do in real world. For instance, he can have a real world experience of meeting, working and collaborating with people. Its main reason of success is to offer a person a way to fulfil his entire real world desires that he cannot do in actual world. In addition, the second life’s 3-D virtual world as well comprises sound; babbling streams, wind in the swaying trees, built-in chat, audible conversation plus instant messaging to its members. Moreover, the residents purchase goods or property, game with other residents, establish businesses, join clubs, produce objects, attend classes, or simply hang out. Furthermore, the depiction of second life is extraordinary, making it an instant guilty pleasure (Kalning). Figure 2- Second Life Cities Source-[ http://www.autoweek.com/storyimage/CW/20090714/CARNEWS/907149998/AR-907149998.jpg] 1.2. What are the characteristics of majority of Second Life users? (For example: are they male or female?, how old are they?, what country are they from?, etc. The majority of the second life users are youngsters. The majority of users of Second life are from age group of 18-30. This male and female equally participate in this virtual world based ecommerce and communication platform. The majority of people coming to second life are with sake of community chatting, fun, exploration or for game purpose. The release of the second life (SL) 3-D virtual world was done on June 23, 2003 by the Linden Lab. In addition, this new system was accessible through the web. Through this system a free client program acknowledged as viewer, helps its users that were named as residents, to interact and communicate with other residents using different avatars. Moreover, the residents of a second life world are able to explore, communicate with other world residents, participate, socialize in individual as well as group actions, and produce and trade virtual property in addition to services with one another. This world also offers facility to travel all through the world. The 3-D world of second life is developed only for people with age 18 and over, although the Second Life world in more popular among the 13 to 17 teenagers (Kalning). Figure 3- SL users – Source-[ http://www.kzero.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/age-profiles-habbo.015.jpg] 1.3. Who invented Second Life? Second life was the idea of Philip Rosedale, who was a real network guru credited with leading the establishment of the online streaming technologies. Linden Labs, Inc., which was run by Rosedale privately, developed the second life, with the collaboration of crack team of first-rate developers having earlier experience at corporations similar to THQ, Disney and Mattel. In this system anyone with age greater than 18 is able to open a free account at second life virtual community (Kayne; Kalning). 1.4. What are the technological, human, and financial resources need to support the Second Life infra-structure? According to Kayne (2010) second life virtual community is developed through the software that is a three-dimensional modelling tool foundational upon simple geometric shapes that facilitates second life residents in developing virtual objects. Additionally, this is able to be employed in arrangement with the Linden Scripting Language that is able to be employed to put in functionality to objects. Additional complex 3-D shapes, textures intended for clothing or additional objects, plus animations and gestures can be developed through external software. In this scenario the development team of the second life ensures the implementation of the security and privacy terms of service through which users keep copyright of some content or object they have developed (Kayne). The business of SL offers B2B and B2C based online business facilities those make this web based system huge and powerful online business platform. As we talk about the human factor, this web based platform works completely according to human commands. This business, communication and game based platform is completely based on highly interactive user interface. 1.5. Is Second Life a profitable venture for the owners? For the users? If so how does it make money for the second life owners? and How do users make money? After the release of second life from Linden Lab, this 3-D virtual world has gained huge popularity. In this scenario the business has grown to turn out to be the biggest virtual world market leader. Additionally, it is estimated that Linden business holds 90% of the worldwide virtual market share with a stable, profitable plus emergent business. In addition, at the present, more than 18 million people (from all age groups) have registered in second-life web based virtual world from 150 nations worldwide. Moreover, these virtual world solutions have been chosen by all type of global firms to have better virtual world work solution for governments, business enterprises as well as for educational institutions (Linden Research, Inc. ). Kayne (2010) stated that in 2006, it was estimated that over 3,000 second life virtual world residents have earned 20 thousand US Dollar per year by running ecommerce businesses in second life 3-D world. In addition, the majority of them put up for sale objects they have developed that other virtual world residents desire to purchase (Kayne). In case of second life ecommerce structure residents of the virtual world are able to sell, purchase different business products and services. In this scenario they are doing business through the web based platform of second life. Additionally, they are using the interchange in US dollar to second life currency. Here an example of property purchased in second life virtual world that is owned by the buyer through a system referred to as internet protocol copyright. In addition, a number of property owners in second life virtual world reward members for staying at their property through Linden dollars that is second life world money. Linden dollars (L$) can also be purchased with real dollars with a credit card. In this overall business dealing of exchanging money a fraction of the exchange rate will be received by the Linden Inc., through second Life earned over 64 million US Dollars a year (Kalning) & (Kayne). Figure 5- SL economics Activity Source- -[ http://secondlife.com/_img/economy/graph-0612-econ_activity.png] 1.6. What function does Second Life serve or cater to from the following perspectives: sociological, economical, and technological? The virtual world or second life completely replicates the real world tasks and operations. In this scenario it offers sociological, economical, and technological aspects. Here in this virtual world we have business, communication, collocation, entertainment, learning, support, shopping as well as all types of the things that we can expect in real life. In this scenario we can say that second life is offering and serving all perspectives of sociological, economical, and technological (Kalning) & (Kayne). For example in case of sociological point of SL offers web based communication, IM, Video Chat, Calling and other public interaction based facilities. In case of economical point of view the SL offers web based ecommerce and business facility. As we talk about the technological factors the SL is a web based game that is based on advanced high tech graphic and programming. . Figure 6- SL users –Source[http://www.fatfoogoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/q2-2009-reg-accs-chart3.jpg] 1.7. What are the key eCommerce concepts apparent in Second Life? Second life is offering support in all the areas of real world business. Here we are having B2B or B2C all types of ecommerce concepts. In this scenario real world businesses are as well taking interest in the second life virtual world. For example Wells Fargo Bank purchased an island in second life virtual world in2006. The main intention of this deal was that Bank wants to offer one day offer of real world banking at the virtual world. There are more examples of Intel and Wal-Mart that have also established two of the mega-giants centres for corporate training classes in virtual world of the second life. The main ecommerce scenario in this world is to have a business model that might save businesses small or big, millions of dollars in lodging as well as travel fees. Future potential comprise virtual universities that copies their real-life counterparts by means of professors and classrooms teaching subjects like physical world. Here we are also expecting virtual interactive congressional meetings as well as 3-D client plus tech support (Kayne) & (Wagner) & (Secondlife-2). Part 2 Main Question for Part 2 as Introduction: a) Define and describe Web 2.0 and how it may influence or shape electronic commerce. Analyse how Web 2.0 is or can be integrated within the E-Commerce activities of companies from the following industries: Travel Industry (Travel 2.0), Health Industry (Health 2.0), Government Industry (E-Government 2.0), Retail Industry (‘Social Shopping’), Communications/ Media Industry. 2. Web 2.0 and E-Commerce Site 2.a) Define and describe Web 2.0 and how it may influence or shape electronic commerce. Shah, Davidi, Shapira, & Allen (2005) stated that www started as a loose set of links to documents for a variety of research centres and universities. However presently, the Web is an extremely interactive medium intended for carrying out business and consuming content.  A basic development of the Web that has made this probable has been known as "Web 2.0."  The main and fundamental processes and technologies at the back of Web 2.0 offer a richer user experience as well as make use of information in exclusive ways.  Though, the paradigm of Web 2.0 is more than just technology, because it includes social interactions as well as a multiplicity of business models.  Web 2.0 is one of initial ideas to unite social, technical as well as business theories (Shah, Davidi and Shapira). Additionally, Web 2.0 promises to offer effective business gain and popularity; however these business models are not composed of radical, difficult-to-learn technologies. Web 2.0 is future of our Web. It is a contemporary technology and step forward in the web based stature. Web 2.0 comprises not simply what Web sites seem like, however techniques of styles of development, interaction, and sources of content have completely changes. One of the fundamental thoughts at the back Web 2.0 is business enhancement of the usability. Web 2.0 applications would be inclined to seem more similar to desktop applications as compared to Web pages. These applications are having simple business system interfaces by plain colours plus no busy logos, patterns, or animation. Furthermore, they offer a richness of business system communication previously obtained simply in desktop applications (Lewis, 2009). 2.1. 1. Analyse and describe the key components of Web 2.0 in relation to E-Commerce or that can be used to enhance E-Commerce or Portal applications; Axelrod (2009) stated that there is a set of technologies and business models that are acknowledged as Web 2.0, which promises to offer effective business gain and popularity.  However, it a group of simple tools united jointly to build a social context in that we conduct an effective technology business (Axelrod). Shah, Davidi, Shapira, & Allen (2005) stated that main and fundamental processes and technologies at the back of Web 2.0 offer a richer user experience as well as make use of information in exclusive ways. Though, the paradigm of Web 2.0 is more than just technology, because it includes social interactions as well as a multiplicity of business models. Additionally, the Web 2.0 is one of initial ideas to unite social, technical as well as business theories (Shah, Davidi and Shapira). Web 2.0 is regarding the maturity of the web and corporate businesses that are offering facilities to have a flourishing business online. As a lot of Web 2.0 technologies and tools that are currently employed by the companies make use of powerful web technologies. Some of key components of Web 2.0 regarding ecommerce point of view are said to comprise: collaboration, the web as a platform plus syndication (RSS). In these scenario we can view that new web is based on the more effective desktop based experience, having more collaborating and social view. These key components lead towards effective establishment of ecommerce business online (Axelrod; Shah, Davidi and Shapira). Figure 6- Web 2.0 Components –[Source-http://glennas.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/web-2_0-strategy-3-essentional-components1.jpg] 2.2. 2. Analyse Web 2.0 applications per industry group that can be classified as a ‘best-practice’ or most advanced in this area example. Describe commonalities and differences between the Web 2.0 applications in the industries. Musser (2009) stated that Web 2.0 is more than simple web technology. It is not just about the pasting a new user interface on the old web 1.0 application. However, the Web 2.0 is a new way of interacting and thinking, web 2.0 is novel perspective on the whole business of software as of concept in the course of delivery, from marketing to support. Through the use of Web 2.0 technologies in businesses and corporate these areas flourish. Here we have obtained better databases through effective people interaction. Then we are able to obtain applications that are smarter as well as more people are able to utilize them (Musser). A lot of cases of the Web 2.0 implementations in the government and industry have happened till now. Web 2 based new businesses are capabile to attain more effective business advantages. In addition, by placing new technology at the corpoarte busineses are able to attain high advatges and business revenue. The main difference estbaslihed by web 2.0 is about the more enhnaced performance specially in Govenment sector. Now Governemnt offers online web based facility to citizens. These faclities can be online Tax payment, Bill Payment, Health services, etc. Through this the communty has greater confidance on services of Governement. This leads to enhnaced adminstration performance. However adoption of web 2.0 tehnology needs also better analysis and investigation of potental implimentations areas. In case of less effective planning business or adminstaion can face some of critical problems. 2.3. Describe how Web 2.0 can or is adding value to the different types of user groups relevant for that industry (e.g. in Travel, the traveller, the agent, the airline, etc. In Health, the healthcare provider, the patient, the insurance party. In Government, the municipalities, the citizens, etc.) The technology of the web 2.0 has added a great value to the different user groups and industries. For example we are having better travel services of travelling one part of world to another. Here we are having GPS supported systems that offer free of cost services to track and travel in any part of the world. The web based travel guiding platform support effective guidance anywhere. In addition, here we have blogs, maps, comments, booking and suggestion in this industry (Claburn). In case of health care industry web 2.0 also influences a lot and offers better health facilities. There are a number of unbelievable technical health care solutions we are having through the web based platforms. A lot of them are driven by the provider as well as target specific situations or age groups however they are able to appear extremely medical related in their nature. In addition, the people are able to discover this rather confronting. Moreover, with new web 2.0 based social networking tools; it is probable for us to have health solutions that give confidence to the patient to actively contribute in an online environment. Here we are having online doctor suggestion, medicine specifications, and diagnosis (Lakeman). Governments are presently making use of a great deal web 2.0 services. As I have earlier discussed the examples of different governments and departments utilizing the new web 2.0 technologies for the effective support. As discussed above that Washington State Department of Transportation is utilizing the Twitter to offer new updates on travelling. Additionally, the French government is offering a portal that includes wikis, forum as well as video to uphold debate on the country's digital approach as well as to give confidence ideas from people other than the customary government voices (Accenture). Presently we can view a widespread appellation of web 2.0 regarding online tax payments, administration information and lot of related aspects regarding the government based web 2.0 implementation (Osimo). 2.4. Analyze the business benefit from the perspective of these companies, in terms of incremental revenues, increased customer satisfaction, increased brand perception and value. The business of Dell has established a web 2.0 based infrastructure that offers the business an enhanced support regarding effective business handling, better supply chain management and offering effective customer services. In this scenario business of Dell has established a tight web based sales and services platform that augmented the potential revenue of Dell to high extent and also offered better customer confidence through better online support services. 2.5. Develop a framework (possibly industry group specific) for moving from the current situation towards Web 2.0 Portal applications. The idea and implementation of the Web 2.0 is turning out to be more and more popular all the time thus a lot of people in the world are immediately moving from Web 1.0 to web 2.0. Additionally, Web 2.0 is offering a lot of new and innovative solutions regarding the online effective communication like that API's, AJAX as well as rich formatted context. Web 2.0 presents a wealth of extremely interactive tools as well as functions (Banks). However, to make Web 2.0 technology more usable we can use a group of these technologies with the accessibility of effective network resources. To achieve this in presence of cheap storage, ample bandwidth and a rising willingness through publishers to depend on users for content as well as feedback is really very easy.  Web 2.0 proper applications for business are able to generate a niche in which business can prosper, rather than just communities (Axelrod). Part 3 3. E-Commerce Performance 3.1. As an IT Specialist Identify E-commerce hidden or potential hurdles? Explain briefly each hurdle or pitfall under headings. There are a lot of security and privacy issues that we are facing nowadays regarding ecommerce. These ecommerce hidden or potential hurdles are mainly security and privacy based issues that have emerged with the developments in technology and business. E-commerce websites present enormous potential intended for online sales; however you can not simply throw up a website and wait for customers to collect to our product. A lot of e-merchants fail to be familiar with the significance of offering the best e-commerce facilities and effective controls. In addition, few straightforward changes an e-commerce website is able to enhance its productivity significantly (4th-media). In this new age of Web, there are many threats regarding the organizational, business and personal information. In this scenario we require a security and privacy model that has the capacity to manage and secure our business and personal information reserves (O’Leary and O’Leary). 3.1.1 Hurdles or Pitfall There are lots of cases regarding the online business that have been registered. These cases involve online fraud, credit card password theft and prohibited credit transfer. So at the present time the ecommerce appears to be unsafe place for business. Here we are in danger due to the credit card information theft, scamming, virus and intelligent spies. These all businesses have on goal to exploit the online customer’s information and assists. There a lot of solutions have emerged to tackle such problems, which can stop illegal intrusion through implementation of system firewall. “The improvement of safe information transfer protocol is also a noteworthy development in this area. This protocol is called the HTTPS protocol”. That ensures the hazard less information travel and submission (Shandilya) & (eTrust)& (Russell) & (Oak). Hacking Jeanty (2009) stated that there are lots of other security threats we can have regarding the online commerce information theft. The hacker hacks the business information and causes the business a huge damage. This valuable business information can be customer record or deal/sales record (Jeanty). Virus attacks Besides this Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe (2005) outline that main security threat we have is the computer virus attacks on the web based business network or computer system. These viruses can delete damage or destroy the business system and stop the overall business operation that is really problematic for the business (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005). Phishing In the field of the online computer technology, ecommerce and dealing the biggest security threat is phishing that is the illegitimately to be regarded with suspicion procedure of trying to get hold of sensitive data and information like that passwords, usernames, and credit card information through hidden and fake means (Clayton, 2008). 3.2. How can you eliminate risk in E-Commerce process by reducing various threats and vulnerabilities? Explain briefly under headings. There are efforts throughout the world to deal with potential risks regarding the ecommerce. All type of organizations and businesses are facing problems regarding the ecommerce and online security. Thus, in this scenario there is need to implement some effective and enhanced security policy. This intended security and privacy policy is aimed to enhance the customer information security and privacy. There are a lot of solutions presently developed to protect against the potential and hidden security and privacy threats in the ecommerce environment. The main reason to protect against these aspects to ensure effective business and corporate business and enhancing web based business platform credibility: Reducing various threats and vulnerabilities McCrohan (2003) outlined that in case of web based business to protect commercial business organizations require to tackle their internal and external environments. Externally, this will need not simply participation in security solutions intended for integrated information arrangement however as well contribution in the community policy arena. Here the main aspect is to initially protect from the business inside. In the scenario we internally require to train, educate, react, detect, restore, repair as well as restrict loss of services inside the business. Here we initially perform above activities with the internal business personals (McCrohan, 2003). To protect system from the outside business attack McCrohan (2003) commercial organizations require making sure that they have incorporated in the programs as well as exercises that a variety of government agencies accomplish to assess as well as get rid of major vulnerabilities to information warfare attack on a nation’s vital information systems. This needs collaboration in areas in which both groups appear to be cooperative to minimize security attacks. In this scenario commercial organizations need to play a vital role in the regulatory and legislative process, articulating their concerns to the suitably selecting as well as administrative officials. They as well require recognizing the linkages that hold up its service providers and their security practices (McCrohan, 2003). Here we need to improve activities and capability of defending against the insider as well as outsider business attacks. In this scenario we need to establish a tight security mechanism through the use of network authentication, antivirus systems, illegal security detector, and effective logging system and network firewalls. In this scenario we also need to establish an effective security policy to manage and handle the overall security aspects of the business. In this way the business will be effectively able to run and handle the business security mechanism. Here below I have outlined some of the main security and privacy procedures that can be adopted to establish effective business and corporate security (O’Leary and O’Leary): Installing antivirus software Installing anti-spy systems Establishing business network firewalls Getting and offering training to business workers regarding phishing protection Protect the hosts file Establishment of Secure Socket Layer Protocol Establishment of the DNS and DoS (Denial of Services) attacks Establishment of the proper business database backups Regular business system scans Controlling and scanning business network traffic Rapid checking of any outer request Establishment of proper and effective security log-in system 4. Conclusion At the present, the internet has become a basic need of almost every business. The ecommerce business is presently in its peak and enjoying response from all types of customers and businesses. In this scenario all corporations are making use of advance business models and ecommerce tools and technologies. This report has presented an example of innovative web business that is ‘second life’. This report has outlined that how this innovative business is making use of new technology to perform a web based business. This research has also outlined the some important aspects of the Web 2.0 and related ecommerce areas. Here I have also presented some hidden and potential threats to ecommerce business and how these can be resolved to make a web based business flourishing. 5. References 4th-media. "E-commerce problems." 07 November 2009. 12 May 2010 . Accenture. "Web 2.0 and the Next Generation of Public Service." 2009. Accenture.com. 12 May 2010 . Axelrod, Victoria G. "Values in Action: Web 2.0." 08 March 2010. TypePad.com. 10 May 2010 . Banks, Summer. "The Path from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, The Web Is about To Change and 2.0 Is the Web Platform of the Future." 17 January 2008. 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