Abstract
M.Sc. (Computer Science)
The terms "Electronic Commerce" and "Internet Commerce" are often used
interchangeably to mean similar processes. By definition, electronic commerce
(e-commerce) means any exchange of information that occurs electronically.
There are various types of electronic commerce transactions to name a few;
electronic data interchange (EDI), fax, electronic funds transfer, interorganisational
systems, technical data and document exchange, customer credit
approval systems, interaction with customers and vendors, etc ([151, p. 27). The
term internet commerce evolved with the era of the Internet. It became evident
that both business and consumers are gradually conducting business via the
Internet.
For the purpose of this dissertation the term e-commerce will be used to refer to
both electronic commerce and Internet commerce.
The aim of this dissertation is to give guidance to organisations or individuals
wishing to build a secure electronic commerce environment. This will be
achieved by presenting an incremental phase by phase reference model. The
model gives guidance on how to establish a network (local area network) with the
intention to expand it through various phases to a complete, secure electronic
commerce environment in the future.
The dissertation will be discussed in the ten chapters outlined below. These
chapters are discussed in detail in chapter 1.
Chapter 1 sets out the problem addressed in this dissertation, the main objective
of the dissertation and its structure.
Chapter 2 introduces the framework of the reference model. It presents the
different phases of the e-commerce reference model.
Chapters 3 to 8 outline the phases of the e-commerce reference model in detail.