Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 8.7
Key Technology Infrastructure
Components
Network
Internet
Value-added network
Virtual private network
High-speed
connection to network
E-commerce
software
Server software
Server operating system
Web server hardware
Hardware
A Web server hardware platform complete with the appropriate software is a key e-commerce
infrastructure ingredient. The amount of storage capacity and computing power required of
the Web server depends primarily on two things: the software that must run on the server
and the volume of e-commerce transactions that must be processed. Although IS staff can
sometimes define the software to be used, they can only estimate how much traffic the site
will generate. As a result, the most successful e-commerce solutions are designed to be highly
scalable so that they can be upgraded to meet unexpected user traffic.
A key decision facing new e-commerce companies is whether to host their own Web site
or to let someone else do it. Many companies decide that using a third-party Web service
provider is the best way to meet initial e-commerce needs. The third-party company rents
space on its computer system and provides a high-speed connection to the Internet, which
minimizes the initial out-of-pocket costs for e-commerce start-up. The third party can also
provide personnel trained to operate, troubleshoot, and manage the Web server. Of course,
many companies decide to take full responsibility for acquiring, operating, and supporting
the Web server hardware and software themselves, but this approach requires considerable
up-front capital and a set of skilled and trained workers. No matter which approach a com-
pany takes, it must have adequate hardware backup to avoid a major business disruption in
case of a failure of the primary Web server.
Web Server Software
In addition to the Web server operating system, each e-commerce Web site must have
Web server software to perform fundamental services, including security and identification,
retrieval and sending of Web pages, Web site tracking, Web site development, and Web page
development. The two most popular Web server software packages are Apache HTTP Server
and Microsoft Internet Information Services.
Security and Identification
Security and identification services are essential for intranet Web servers to identify and verify
employees accessing the system from the Internet. Access controls provide or deny access to
files based on the username or URL. Web servers support encryption processes for trans-
mitting private information securely over the public Internet.
