Once upon a time, electronic commerce was viewed in Disney-like dimensions. By automating the buying process, the theory went, buyers and sellers would live happily ever after. Yet despite significant strides, the progress toward a workable EC system is stuck somewhere between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Even its proponents acknowledge that the move to electronic commerce has been slower than expected. That's especially true of the government, which is widely seen as a principal benefactor and an early adopter.
Buyers have almost unlimited selection in their search for best value.
Sellers have almost unlimited opportunity to reach those buyers. The real world, however, has turned a cold shoulder to that promise of bliss. The departure of one of the government's key EC proponents, Michael J. Mestrovich, who retired as information management executive for the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and technology, has only renewed questions about how quickly nirvana will arrive. Some argue that the stars have just not yet aligned for EC to be feasible. In the consumer world, they note, it has yet to become a retail giant.