Primers and tutorials

The basics

An introduction to electronic commerce
Overview from Cardiff University that defines basic terms.

E-commerce FAQ
iCat paper that discusses topics such as the current size of the market and questions to ask before setting up shop.

Roger Clarke's Electronic Commerce Pages
Starts with introductory papers and definitions, moves on to more advanced topics (including looks at specific online payment systems).

10 surefire ways to bomb
We can't guarantee the success of your e-commerce site, but we have some good ideas about what you definitely don't want to do. Network World, 2/22/99.

Electronic commerce resource guide
Harbinger site focusing on more traditional e-commerce applications, such as EDI.

The Electronic Commerce Dictionary
From Haynes & Company.

Jargon busting
Cut through the e-com lingo with a reference from the Mining Co.

Federal electronic commerce office
Standards, best practices and links to federal e-commerce sites.

Cache cachet
Web caching appliances help conserve precious Internet bandwidth. Network World, 5/10/99.

Online payment systems

Credit crunch for e-comm wannabes
You think you're all set to sell products via the Web. Back-end systems are in order, Web developers are coding away, and marketing is ready to kick in. But have you asked your primary bank if it will process the flood of new credit card transactions? Lots of businesses have asked, and the answer they've often received is: "No!" 5/31/99.

Digital dough fails to rise
There's no need to support electronic currency on your Web site when customers are willing to pay using plain old plastic. Network World, 4/12/99.

Micropayment Methods
Links to info on various e-money systems.

The Case for Micropayments
Useability consultant Jakob Nielsen makes his case. Includes links to reader comments.

Payment systems on the Internet
Additional info.

SET specifications

Problems plague SET credit card
Network World, 6/8/98.

Security

Security action plan
"Be prepared" is the Boy Scouts' motto. It should also be the motto for every e-commerce site. For example, are you prepared for the potential embarrassment of your company's Web site being modified by hackers? Network World, 2/22/99.