Initially, the Internet served business as strictly an information exchange. This is definitely not the case today. Over the next four years, consumers are expected to spend approximately $130 billion online.

This is what we know as "E-Commerce" - The ability to buy and sell products and services over the Internet. This includes online catalogues, ordering, billing, customer service and handling of payments and transactions. E-Commerce solutions therefore, are built upon the basic premise of efficient and cost effective communication between buyers and suppliers. Whether this communication is through transactions, invoices, documents or inventory availability, it has resulted in the need for functionality that can perform a multitude of business functions, including collaboration.

Today, forward-thinking organizations are using the Web and e-commerce to develop new processes and concepts for doing business. Through this medium, they can boost revenues, operational efficiencies and, ultimately, profits.