| Talking about e-business, people will naturally mention the Internet, and IT people will further mention things like databases and servers. Things like databases and servers are indispensable part of many enterprises' e-business strategies, but how about those small businesses, such as a family-owned bookstore? Let's consider the cost for a common e-commerce infrastructure setting:A server: $2,000+ A cheap DBMS (let's say MS Access): $200+Web publishing tools (including scanners, photo processing and authoring software programs): $1,000+ Internet access fee: $30+/mDomain Name Service: $30+/mHuman Cost: $20,000/y/p
Whether these figures are accurate or not, it is too much for a small business to do e-business.
Is there a cheaper way for those family-owned small business to do e-business? With the rapid development of the Internet applications and free services, the answer is yes. Here is my solution to those small businesses:- Internet Access Fee: $30+/m
- A computer: $2,000
- A scanner: $200
- Web publishing tools: Netscape Communicator (free download)
- Web hosting: Free at www.fortunecity.com
- Domain name service: Free also at fortunecity.com
- Database: A small business may not use it at all.
With a web site, those small businesses can get a cheap and quick start. With the development of their businesses, they can gradually improve their e-business capability.
Click here to view such a simple web site.
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