E-commerce - Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Chapter 2: Literature review Page 12
Virtual Environments Three-dimensional (3D) computer-based
(VEs) environments representing applications for
visualisation, animation, generation or
modification of real or abstract objects! situations.
File Transfer Protocol It is a common method of transferring bulk data
(FTP) files via the Internet from one computer to another
Hypertext Markup The document format language used on the World
Language (HTML) Wide Web. Web browsers read HTML and display
the page. HTML defines the structure and layout
of a Web document by using a variety of tags and
attributes.
Extensible Markup It is a "metalanguage" that can be used to create
Language (XML) markup languages for specific applications. For
example, it can describe items that may be
accessed when a Web page loads. XML allows
users to create a database of information without
having an actual database. While it is commonly
used in Web applications, many other programs
can use XML documents as well.
Table 2.1: Types of e-commerce technologies
E-commerce technologies are increasingly making e-retailing and delivery a
reality, possibility by combining high-bandwidth wide area networks running
on TCPIIP (Transmission Control Protocolllnternet Protocol), high bandwidth
spread-spectrum radio frequency networks in shops, and lightweight
ergonomically-designed handheld data management devices, which are able
to run web-based applications at the shelf. These technologies can improve
e-retailers', product and service quality, increased customer satisfaction and
profitability. These could be achieved and maintained through streamlining
processes internally and with suppliers. The use of electronic ordering and
processing in particular can significantly reduce costs by enabling continuous
stock tracking, eliminating processing errors, reducing headcount and
reducing lead-times and stock holding costs (South African Department of
Trade & Industry, 2002).