Ecommerce infrastructure (web and mobile applications)

Internet

Global Connectivity

• The internet connects millions of computers and devices worldwide through a network of servers.
• This global connectivity enables businesses to reach customers anywhere in the world and expanding market reach.

Online Presence

• Businesses establish their online presence through websites, which are hosted on servers connected to the internet.
• These websites serve as virtual storefronts where customers can browse products, make purchases, and interact with the business.

Data Transmission

• The internet facilitates the transmission of data between businesses and customers in real-time.
• When a customer visits an e-commerce website, their device sends requests to the website's server,
• which responds by sending back the requested web pages, product information, and images.

Secure Transactions

• Secure protocols such as HTTPS and SSL/TLS encrypt data transmitted over the internet,
• ensuring that sensitive information such as credit card details and personal data remains protected during online transactions.

Payment Gateways

Logistics and Fulfillment

• The internet also plays a vital role in logistics and fulfillment processes in e-commerce.
• Businesses use online platforms to manage inventory, track shipments, streamlining the supply chain and ensuring timely delivery of orders.
  

2. Web Applications

• Web applications serve as vital building blocks in the infrastructure of e-commerce by providing the technological framework as follows:

Storefront and Product Catalog

• Web applications power the storefront and product catalog of e-commerce websites.
• Businesses use web applications to display their products or services in an organized and visually appealing manner.

User Registration and Authentication

• Web applications enable user registration and authentication functionalities,
• allowing customers to create accounts and manage their profiles.
• This feature is essential for personalizing the shopping experience, tracking orders, and storing payment information securely.

Shopping Cart and Checkout Process

• E-commerce web applications incorporate shopping cart functionality, where customers can add items to their cart and proceed to checkout.
• Web applications manage the checkout process, guiding users through payment options,
• Shipping methods, and order confirmation, before securely processing transactions.

Order Management and Inventory Control

• Web applications handle order management and inventory control tasks behind the scenes.
• Businesses use web applications to track orders, update product availability ensuring efficient fulfillment and delivery of orders.

Payment Processing

• E-commerce web applications integrate payment processing systems to securely handle online transactions.
• Web applications communicate with payment gateways to authorize payments, encrypt sensitive information,
• and facilitate seamless transfer of funds between customers, businesses, and financial institutions.

Mobile Applications

• Mobile applications serve as essential building blocks in e-commerce infrastructure ,
• By providing a platform for businesses to engage with customers and facilitate transactions through mobile devices.

Accessibility

• Mobile applications enable users to access e-commerce platforms and services directly from their smartphones or tablets.
• This accessibility ensures that customers can browse products,
• make purchases, and interact with businesses anytime and anywhere, even when they are on the go.

Enhanced User Experience

• Mobile applications are specifically designed to offer a seamless
• and intuitive user experience tailored to the constraints and capabilities of mobile devices.

Push Notifications

• Mobile applications leverage push notifications to deliver real-time updates and personalized offers to users' devices.
• This proactive communication keeps users informed about new products, discounts, driving engagement and encouraging repeat purchases.

Integration with Device Features

• Mobile applications can integrate with device features such as camera, biometric sensors to enhance functionality and provide additional value to users.
• For example, users can use their device's camera to scan barcodes or QR codes,
• enabling easy product identification and comparison while shopping.

Offline Access

• Many mobile applications offer offline access, allowing users to browse products and access certain features even when they are not connected to the internet.
• This offline capability ensures uninterrupted shopping experiences and
• Enables users to continue browsing and adding items to their cart, which will be synchronized once the connection is restored.

Conclusion