But behind the numbers comes a recognition that buying stuff online from a diverse range of merchants is quickly becoming business as usual, stated David Cooperstein, Research Director at Forrester. These networks' experience, shared services, and negotiating power will propel their members in 2000.
Many economists believe that e-commerce is driving the U.S. economy.
The same place it always did, except now it is being spent in a virtual environment at the expense of the physical one. People are using the Internet from the comfort of their own homes or offices, procuring loans, banking, making travel arrangements, purchasing insurance, stamps, even groceries, keeping up with the news and furthering their education. The Internet is affordable, convenient and saves time. Those businesses not already on the Internet are clamoring to establish a presence but, as many businesses already on-line have learned, the mere possession of a web site is not a path to instant wealth. A successful web site requires thoughtful consultation between the developer and the client, to determine expectations and realistic goals.