Depending on the type of network used, there are currently four main forms of cross-border e-commerce: EDI business, Internet business, intranet business, and mobile e-commerce.
1) EDI business
According to the definition of the International Organization for Standardization, EDI refers to the electronic transmission method from computer to computer of business or administrative affairs in a structured transaction processing or document data format according to a recognized standard. Simply put, EDI business is to standardize and format business documents according to an agreed protocol, and to exchange and automate data between the computer network systems of trading partners through computer networks.
EDI business is mainly used in wholesale business between enterprises, enterprises and wholesalers, and wholesalers and retailers. Compared with traditional ordering and payment methods, EDI business greatly saves time and costs. In addition, compared with the Internet, EDI business better solves the security problem. This is because users have more reliable credit guarantees, strict registration procedures and access systems, and multi-level security precautions, thus realizing the computerization of all transaction work including payment.
However, since EDI business must rent a dedicated line on the EDI network, that is, it can only be realized by purchasing a value-added network (VAN) service, the cost is high, and it requires professional EDI operators and trading partners. In recent years, with the sharp drop in computer prices and the rapid popularization of the Internet, EDI (i.e. Web-EDI, or Open-EDI) based on the Internet and using extensible markup language (XML) is gradually replacing traditional EDI business. And ebXML, which has developed on the basis of EDI business, has become the focus of e-commerce promotion in the new century.
2) Internet business
Internet (internet) business is a new form of modern business. It is based on computer, communication, multimedia, and database technology, and realizes marketing and shopping services online through the Internet. It breaks through the circulation procedures and marketing models of traditional commercial production, wholesale, retail, purchase, sales, storage, and adjustment, and truly realizes low investment, low cost, zero inventory, and high efficiency, avoiding the ineffective transportation of goods, thereby realizing the efficient operation of social resources and maximum savings. Consumers can browse widely, make full comparisons, and simulate use without being restricted by time, space, or manufacturers, striving to obtain the most satisfactory goods and services at the lowest price.
3) Intranet Business
Intranet business is a business activity carried out using the internal network of an enterprise. It refers to a network system established within an enterprise using Internet technology. Only personnel within the enterprise can use the intranet, and information access is limited to the enterprise, and is connected to the intranet under secure control. Generally, intranets are equipped with firewall programs to prevent unauthorized access. Due to the low cost of establishment, intranets are currently developing rapidly. Enterprises can save a lot of time for document exchanges, facilitate communication management, and reduce management costs by carrying out intranet business. On the other hand, they can communicate with customers in a two-way manner through the network, provide product and service features in a timely manner, and improve service quality.
The relationship between EDI business, Internet business, and intranet business can be represented by Figure 1-3.
4) Mobile e-commerce
Mobile e-commerce is a new branch of e-commerce that has emerged in recent years. Mobile e-commerce uses the wireless connectivity of mobile networks to allow various non-PC devices (such as mobile phones, PDAs, car computers, and portable computers) to retrieve data on e-commerce servers and conduct transactions. Currently, mobile e-commerce has become a new highlight of e-commerce.