Technologies

• Web Site Development Tools
• Internet Service Provider(ISP)/Web Host
• Domain Name
• Doing E-commerce
• Privacy and Security

This section coincides with the previous section on marketing. Many of the technologies you decide/decide not to use for your E-business will be somewhat dependent upon how you plan to market your E-business.

Cautionary Note: Purchase or install software applications from reputable vendors to minimize chances of a virus infection.

Web Site Development Tools

For those of you who are planning to design and/or to build your own Web, site there are a number of useful tools and information available online to assist you. As well, there is an abundance of freeware and shareware software available on the Web. Software varies in price and it is buyer beware!

• Builder.com Created by developers, for developers, this site provides information on topics ranging from programming to architecture to management.
• Build-Website.com Provides information, support, and an assortment of free tools to download to help you find domain names, add URLs to search engines, track hits, validate HTML, locate dead links and maintain your site.
• eProfit News Provides a number of free Webmaster tools such as HTML editor, color converter, button maker, domain name ideas generator, firewalls, page load speed test, position analyzer etc.
• Macromedia This site allows you to download (free for trial periods) various Web development tools for a more rich and dynamic Web site (i.e. Macromedia Flash, ColdFusion, DreamWeaver etc.).
• Webmonkey provides information for professional and amateur Web enthusiasts, offering daily articles and technical updates, as well as an archive of more than 200 features and tutorials.
• W3C - World Wide Web Consortium Provides information to help ensure that your Web site conforms with the standards.

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Internet Service Provider (ISP)/Web Host

When shopping around for an Internet Service Provider there are a number of factors (i.e. cost, Web hosting, connections, quality of service etc.) that should be taken into consideration.

• How to Choose an Internet Service Provider Provides general information about Internet Service Providers, a set of useful questions to ask when looking for an Internet Service Provider, as well as a list of Internet Service Provider directories.
• List of Internet Service Providers Provides a list of Internet Service Providers (national, regional, provincial, etc.)

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Domain Name

As part of your E-business marketing strategy you may want a "memorable" domain name for your Web site. The links here discuss the pros, cons and costs of establishing and maintaining a domain name.

• Domain Names: Do You Need One? Do You Want One? Discusses the pros and cons of registering and maintaining a domain name.
• Domain Names: What's In A Name? Choosing the right domain name to represent a business culture is just as important as the stock put into its offline counterpart.
• Domain Name Registration Explained A memorable domain name is a great marketing tool. The importance of an effective domain name and how to obtain one are explained in this Info-Guide.
• Domain Name Registration Services For Businesses Provides information for businesses that do not yet have a Web presence.

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Doing E-commerce

If you plan to sell products and services over the Internet there are multiple methods for collecting payment (i.e. cybercash, a third party processor such as paypal, merchant account, providing credit card details over the phone, bank draft, etc.). Shoppers and merchants in North America generally prefer to use credit cards so you will most likely want to look into setting up a merchant account.

What is a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is a bank-authorized account established to allow your business to accept major credit cards, electronic cheques etc.

Potential Risk

There is the risk of credit card chargebacks associated with online transactions. A credit card chargeback is a reversal of a sales transaction typically resulting from a cardholder dispute. When a merchant is "charged back", the dollar amount of the transaction is debited from the merchant's bank account and credited to the cardholder.

Obtaining Merchant Status

Due to the risk (or perceived risk) associated with chargebacks, obtaining merchant status can be difficult for small businesses. Credit card companies review several factors, including existing credit rating, company financial statements, credit rating of company principals, and personal net worth of principals to determine whether an applicant is suitable for merchant status. A start-up may have difficulty demonstrating a solid credit rating if it has only been in existence for a relatively short period of time.

The best way to find out whether or not you are eligible for a Merchant Account is by contacting your local bank's Merchant Services Department for information:

• TD Canada Trust
• Royal Bank
• ScotiaBank
• Bank of Montreal
• Coast Capital Savings

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Privacy and Security

Before you can conduct sales transactions online, privacy and security issues need to be addressed so as to ensure confidence in the consumer.

• Enabling Technologies for Secure e-Transactions This Info-Guide describes the various web-based platforms and programs used to secure electronic transactions.
• Internet Security: An Exercise in Risk Management Outlines security precautions for the online environment, key concerns in Internet security, and key tools to ensure Internet security.
• Consumer Protection for Online Merchants This document provides information for online merchants to protect their consumers and earn their trust.
• Privacy and Marketing: Gaining the Trust of the Consumer This document discusses consumers vs. marketers; government initiatives; trust marks or privacy seals; how to gain the trust of your customers by protecting their privacy; and, developing a privacy policy.
• ebiz.enable: Internet Security This site discusses security elements (i.e. confidentiality, authenticity etc.) and tools and techniques for Internet security (i.e. encryption, public key encryption, digital signatures and digital certificates).

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