It also means providing services such as credit card processing and electronic wallets that let consumers go from shop to shop without having to type their personal information over and over. But, perhaps more important, e-commerce is about building bridges between companies' existing computer systems and the Internet. Indeed, many medium-size companies and virtually all large corporations already have their own technology infrastructure, including massive programs that run across corporate networks and manage things like accounting, inventory, supply chain and customer service operations. Setting up online means cobbling those systems together with the Internet and forging links with customers and suppliers, an area where both Sun and Netscape have expertise. Dolberg said companies with 100 or more employees are the ones that are likely to spend the most.
Analysts say both camps face serious challenges.
For Microsoft it will be about improving its e-commerce tools and making effective use of its MSN portal. AOL and Sun will have to make their far-reaching collaboration work. It is a complex undertaking that involves coordinating sales and marketing operations and sharing of revenues.