E commerce consists of buying, selling, distributing, and marketing the services or goods of a company over the internet or other computerized systems. In 2003, e commerce generated over twelve billion dollars in revenue and that number is growing by the day with the advent of new technologies and the ability of consumers to purchase their products with ease and even market their own using e commerce web hosting. In order to have success in the world of e commerce, having reliable e commerce web hosting is only part of the battle. One must provide security in terms of customers and their money.

Operating with updated and valued technology also assists in success in e commerce. Using outdated technology can often expose weaknesses in both security and reliability. Consumers want to be able to trust that the persons with whom they are doing business are knowledgeable and reliable. There also should be a business model that resonates with a sound customer base. Providing quality products in a safe environment is only half the battle, and the key factor of having a plan might have avoided several “dot com” businesses their bankruptcy had they been more formally prepared for the world of e commerce. A business can fall as quickly as it can rise.