Finding an Ecommerce Software Solution


The first ecommerce software solution became available in 1982. Because the World Wide Web was not invented until 1990, there were not a lot of customers for the programs.

Businesses were not allowed to sell over the public internet system until after 1991. The first user-friendly ecommerce software solution was probably the one used by Pizza Hut when the company began to offer online ordering in 1994.

1994 was a big year for the growth of online businesses. Flower delivery, magazine subscriptions, bikes, cars and other items could be ordered over the internet.

Netscape introduced an ecommerce software solution that allowed for more secure transactions in that year. Security of personal information has always been one of the challenges for online businesses.

Some of the more famous websites were launched in 1995. Those included Amazon.com and eBay. Dell and Cisco found a good ecommerce software solution and began to market heavily online.

Business.com was founded in 1999. It is now one of the best sources for helping businesses choose an appropriate ecommerce software solution and other needed items.

PayPal, which provides an inexpensive ecommerce software solution for existing websites, was created in 2000 through the merger of Confinity and X.com. The two companies were involved in internet financial services and payment solutions for individuals and small businesses.

Today the use of PayPal is one of the least expensive ways for businesses to accept credit and debit cards as payments. While there are still a few websites that require customers to send a check by snail mail in order to purchase their products, the vast majority accept only electronic payments.

So, that’s a brief look at the history. Now, let’s look at what’s available today.

If you need an ecommerce software solution, you likely need a “shopping cart” product. In British English, the programs are referred to as shopping baskets or simply “baskets”.
The applications provide a means for customers to enter information; address, phone number, credit card info, etc. Setup is accomplished by entering information into the HTML code of the website.

The server that hosts the site must be contacted in most cases. Some hosting services also provide an ecommerce software solution for an additional fee.

The typical ecommerce software solution consists of two components. There is the storefront, which is where the customer puts items in the basket and places their order.
The second component of an ecommerce software solution is the administrative area. This allows you, the business owner, to add and edit product information.

An ecommerce software solution may be web or desk-top based. For example, the shopping cart provided by PayPal is web-based. The Windows “store builder” program is desktop-based.

There may be other things to consider as you shop for an ecommerce software solution. But, now you know the basics.

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