market and also use the Internet for a fast and efficient means to conduct long distance transactions, as well as an effective way to distribute information Clearly, E-commerce will change the face of business forever. Companies that were one thought too far away to conduct business, can complete business transactions in a matter of seconds as well as exchange information. ”Dell Computers sells more than $14 million worth of computer equipment a day from its web-site. By taking their customer service department to the web Federal Express began saving $10,000 a day. The Internet provides businesses with the opportunity to sell their products to millions of people, 24 hours a day.” (Baxton, 1999) In 1998, revenue equaled almost 74 billion dollars and experts predicting that it will climb to as much as 1,234 billion dollars by the year 2002. With statistics like this, anyone can see that e-commerce will be the thing of the future. One article stated, "Without a doubt, the Internet is ushering in an era of sweeping change that will leave no business or industry untouched. In just three years, the Net has gone from a playground for nerds into a vast communications and trading center where some 90 million people swap information or do deals around the world. Imagine: It took radio more than 30 years to reach 60 million people, and television 15 years. Never has a technology caught fire so fast." (Edwards, 1998) The advantages of e-commerce are its speed, savings, international distribution and customer service available. However, the disadvantages are privacy and security, consumer willingness to pay, technical challenges for new e-businesses and the organizational commitment. These advantages and disadvantages will be discussed henceforth.The number one advantage that e-commerce possesses is speed. The Internet and World Wide Web give businesses opportunities to exchange messages or complete transactions almost instantaneously....
