Online Files Ch02

Chapter Two: E-Commerce: Mechanisms, Infrastructure, and Tools

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Online File W2.1 Examples of Digital Products

1. Information and entertainment products: ◗ Paper-based documents: Books, newspapers, magazine journals, store coupons, marketing brochures, newsletters, research papers, and training materials ◗ Product information: Product specifications, catalogs, user manuals, and sales training manuals ◗ Graphics: Photographs, postcards, calendars, maps, posters, and X-rays ◗ Audio: Music recordings, speeches, and lectures ◗ Video: Movies, television programs, and video clips ◗ Software: Programs, games, and development tools 2. Symbols, tokens, and concepts: ◗ Tickets and reservations: Airlines, hotels, concerts, sports events, and transportation ◗ Financial instruments: Checks, electronic currencies, credit cards, securities, and letters of credit 3. Processes and services: ◗ Government services: Forms, benefits, welfare payments, and licenses ◗ Electronic messaging: Letters, faxes, and telephone calls ◗ Business-value-creation processes: Ordering, bookkeeping, inventorying, and contracting ◗ Auctions, bidding, and bartering ◗ Remote education, telemedicine, and other interactive services ◗ Cybercafés, interactive entertainment, and virtual communities

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Part 1: Introduction to E-Commerce and E-Marketplaces

ONLINE FILE W2.2

Application Case

HOW RAFFLES HOTEL IS CONDUCTING E-COMMERCE

The Problem Raffles Hotel, one of Singapore’s colonial-era landmarks, is part of a worldwide group of luxury and business hotels. Raffles Hotel operates in a very competitive environment. To maintain its world-renowned reputation, the hotel spares no effort on every facet of its operation. The success of the group and each of its hotels depends on the group’s ability to attract customers to its hotels and facilities and on its ability to contain costs. The group operates Fairmont Raffles and the Swissôtel brand of hotels worldwide. All brands share a...