E-Commerce Notes

E-Commerce

Internet Architecture

  • Server: A computer that provides services to other computers and devices connected to the network. Server computers are more powerful than other computers on the network.
    • Controls access to hardware, software, and data.
    • Provides centralized storage for software, data, and information.
    • Facilitates software sharing.
    • Manages network traffic.

Types of Servers

  • Print Server
  • Application Server
  • Database Server
  • E-Mail Server
  • Communication Server
  • Web Server
  • Authentication Server
  • File Server
Print Server
  • Manages printing jobs.
  • Routes print jobs to the appropriate devices.
  • Prioritizes printing according to the order of request.
Application Server
  • Stores and distributes application software to systems on the network.
Database Server
  • Manages the database of an organization.
  • Dedicated to database storage, queries, and retrieval.
E-Mail Server
  • Handles a large volume of incoming, outgoing, and internal emails.
  • Remains connected to the internet.
  • Can be located anywhere in the world.
Communication Server
  • Handles all communications between the network and other networks.
  • Manages internet connectivity.
  • All requests and information from the internet pass through it.
Web Server
  • Hosts websites available through the internet.
  • Runs specialized software to host websites.
Authentication Server
  • Keeps track of users who log in to the networks.
  • Tracks different services available to each user on the network.
  • Manages and coordinates services provided by other dedicated servers on the network.
File Server
  • Stores and manages files for network users.
  • Provides space for employees to store files on corporate networks.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

  • A company that offers customers access to the internet.
  • Provides access to individuals and organizations for free or for a fee (monthly/yearly).
  • May also provide related services like website hosting & development, email hosting, domain name registration, etc.

Types of ISP

  1. Regional ISP
  2. National ISP
  3. Dial-Up ISP
  4. Broadband ISP
  5. Wireless ISP (WISP)
  6. Mobile ISP (Cellular Internet Providers)
  7. Virtual ISP (VISP)
Regional ISP
  • Provides internet access to a specific geographic area.
  • Smaller technical support team.
National ISP
  • Provides internet access nationwide.
  • Larger technical support team.
Dial-Up ISP
  • Uses traditional telephone lines (PSTN).
  • Very slow (up to 56 Kbps).
  • Example: AOL (America Online).
Wireless ISP (WISP)
  • Provides internet via wireless signals.
  • Often used in rural areas.
  • Example: 4G LTE ISPs, Fixed Wireless Broadband.
Mobile ISP (Cellular Internet Providers)
  • Provides internet via mobile networks (3G, 4G, 5G).
  • Used for smartphones, hotspots, and tablets.
  • Example: Verizon, T-Mobile, Jio, Airtel.
Virtual ISP (VISP)
  • Resells internet services from another provider under its brand.
  • Example: EarthLink (using AT&T's network).

Internet Hierarchy

  • Involves upstream, backbone, and downstream providers.
  • Includes global internet backbone providers, national ISPs, regional ISPs, local ISPs, and end-users/businesses.

Peering

  • ISPs interconnect at peering points or Internet Exchange Points (IXs).
  • Allows routing of data between networks without charges, avoiding third-party upstream ISPs.

Responsibilities of an ISP

  • Providing and maintaining a connection to the Internet.
  • Supporting the hardware and software needed for the connection.
  • Protecting their site and network from external threats (viruses, hacker attacks).
  • Providing 24-hour customer service and technical support.

Choosing an ISP: Key Factors

  1. Up-Time Commitments:
    • Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with measurable targets for up-time, not just 99.9%99.9\%.
  2. Downstream Speed:
    • Test advertised downstream speeds upon installation and regularly thereafter.
    • Consult neighboring businesses for their experience with the ISP.
  3. Upstream Capacity:
    • Critical for VPNs, remote access, and offsite backups.
    • Increasing importance for pushing data to mobile users and cloud services.
  4. Technical and Field Support:
    • Responsiveness and accessibility of technical support.
    • Field response policies that match the organization's requirements (especially for 24/7/365 businesses).
  5. Pricing:
    • Considered last after uptime, capacity, service accessibility, and field support.
    • Compare installation costs, equipment costs, contract term length, annual inflation increases, and volume caps.

Domain Name Registration

  1. What is a Domain Name?

    • Phrases or words linked with a domain TLD to access a website.
    • Helps in:
      • Creating a web presence
      • Spreading your business across boundaries
      • Giving your offline business a new lease of life
      • Creating a brand identity
      • Gaining patronage
      • Increasing sales

  2. How to Make a Good Domain Name?

    • Catchy & Unique:
      • Relate to your business concepts.
      • Include business-linked keywords to rank higher on search engines.
      • Should be unique and not a duplicate of competitors.
      • Easy to type and remember.
    • Try to Get .COM Domain Name Extension:
      • Most preferred and remembered.
    • If Not, Try To Get .ORG/.NET/ccTLDs Extensions
      • If .COM is unavailable, consider .ORG or .NET.
    • Use Correct Set Of Keywords For Your Domain Name
      • Domains with the right mix of keywords rank higher in SERPs.
    • Keep The Domain Name Short & Crisp
      • Easier to remember.

  3. Why Should You Own A Domain Name?

    • Enhances Your Credibility
      • Gives a professional touch.
    • Gives You A Uniqueness
      • Provides a sense of owning your name.
      • www.yourwebsitename.comwww.yourwebsitename.com is unique compared to a shared one.
    • Builds Brands Quickly
      • Strengthens brand and enhances brand awareness.
    • Search Engines Give Value To Websites With Unique Domain Names
      • Major search engines give more importance to websites with their own domain name.
    • Gives You Portability Facility
      • Allows you to carry your website to any web host.
    • Becomes Even More Compelling With A Dedicated Email Service
      • Allows creation of personal and professional email accounts.
      • Examples: sales@yourwebsitename.com, services@yourwebsitename.com

  4. The 5 Domain Name Registration Basics/Process

    • Where To Buy Domain Names
      • Domain registrars such as BookMyIdentity.
      • Authorized from ICANN (The Internet Corporation For Assigned Names & Numbers).
      • Domain auction sites.
    • Domain Name Extensions
      • Opting for .COM is best; if unavailable, try .ORG, .NET, and ccTLDs.
    • Registration Length
      • Opt for a 5-10 year registration period to save on renewal costs.
    • Registration Privacy
      • Consider whether to keep ownership details private.
      • WHOIS database is publicly viewable; private registration can avoid telemarketing and legal issues.
    • Business Certification
      • Provides legal authority to prove ownership in a court of law.
      • Consider for businesses.

  5. Benefits Of Having Your Very Own Domain Name

    • Easier To Find For Customers
      • Easier to find www.yourwebsitename.comwww.yourwebsitename.com
    • Gives A More Professional Image
      • Uplifts your business and gives a professional image.
    • You Can Keep A Domain Name For Years To Come
      • Provided you take care of subscription issues.
    • You Can Move Your Domain Name To Any Registrar
      • Transfer your domain name to a more reliable provider.
    • You Can Get Your Website Registered With Search Engines
      • Build authority over the web.
    • You Can Grab A Better Position On Some Search Engines
      • Provides your website a better slot compared to subdomains.

  6. Don’ts Of A Domain Name Registration

    • Don’t Rely On .COM Domains As The Only Option
      • Consider other extensions like .NET, .ORG, .BIZ, .MOBI, .TV, .FLORIST.
    • Don’t Use Abbreviations, Dashes/Numbers In Your Domain Name
      • People may not remember domain names with hyphens, abbreviations, dashes, or numbers, leading them to competitors' websites.