Several hundred government agencies maintain their own procurement Web sites. Purchase card is the term used for the federal government's credit cards, typically Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Therefore, it is important for most vendors to be able to accept purchase card payments. EFT enables the exchange of payments and related information. EFT technology is also used for automated teller machines and to make direct payroll deposits.
EFT offers convenience, economy, and security.
Electronic catalogs use the Web to display products and services, take orders, and accept payment. Again, convenience, speed, and access to information are the primary advantages to federal shoppers using electronic catalogs. The government's use of electronic catalogs is very limited at present. Electronic malls are essentially collections of vendors' electronic catalogs that allow government buyers to browse and search for goods, as well as comparison shop, in a mall-like setting.