South Asian businesses need to act now if they are not going to be left behind. At the very least, companies should begin dialoguing with electronic commerce services and solutions providers so as to better understand the benefits, costs and resources of implementing electronic commerce. Too many South Asian businesses are struggling to implement electronic commerce on their own. Small and medium sized companies in particular are not taking advantage of the benefits, including lower costs through economies of scale, offered by outsourcing electronic commerce needs. Because of both the importance and complexity involved in electronic commerce implementations, the skills, experience and expertise that only professional service providers can offer is usually required.
Electronic commerce is important to a business because the future of the company can be at stake.
Implementing E-Commerce is complex because it involves integrating systems, applications and technology with processes, strategies and business relationships. Implementation of electronic commerce needs to include change management, re-engineering business processes and changes to the business culture. Large and medium sized organizations are defined for the purpose of this project as those with 150 staff or more. The Reference Guide provides an evaluation of electronic commerce in South Asia, together with a description of the different types of solutions and services available. It is provided on a complementary basis to senior executives at large and medium sized organizations.