The underdeveloped countries of today are the ones that were late to the industrial revolution. The underdeveloped countries of tomorrow will be those that are late to the information revolution.
The Internet boom occurred in 1994 when the browser appeared.
At this time, the Internet as a technology was a set of standards and protocols for communications, applications, file transfers, and development tools.
The Internet has the advantage of being a universal standard, in e! which all platforms share common rules for the first time. It handles an inexpensive technology, and also companies can use their existing systems.
However, communications in Colombia are not mature enough to make use of it.
Disadvantages in its use include insecurity, fear of the obsolescence of technology, the non-existence of official standards, and that there are too many unknown companies in the market. Also that the initial results of the pioneers not very encouraging, and that there is general ignorance about the technology.
E-business is a term that describes how businesses are using technology to transform their internal processes / their business relationships with their suppliers and with their customers.
The fundamental concepts that must be taken into account in virtual marketing revolve around the following points:
- It is not just about technology, it is also a business problem. The size of the solution must correspond to the problem posed. Not all companies require the same solution. Any solution must allow it to grow over time and reduce its possibility of obsolescence.
There are seven golden rules for internet marketing:
- Understand the mission: what you are going to do Media strategy Internet as a brand strategy: recognition Information capture: there is no other medium that can capture so much information in real time. Customer information as the greatest asset Use the intrinsic nature of the Internet Be a leader in customer service: it is the biggest differentiator even over elements of already established services Focus and personalization: the most attractive sites are those that personalize information.
The value of the company is linked to relationships with suppliers, relationships with customers and internal operations. In relationships with suppliers, product development and the acquisition of goods and services must be taken into account.
In the company it is necessary to make a value check list that includes questions such as:
What am I trying to achieve? How can I place the initiative in the value chain (intranet, extranet, internet)? How will I measure the success of the initiative? What impact will it have on the way I do business in my organization?
In addition, you must take a look at the future and observe the different implications of electronic commerce. Among them is the fact that the risks are calculated, the investments are relatively low, it will give rise to a recognition as a leader, a quick reaction to competition, and a competitive advantage. It is an entry into the scheme of globalization, which will cause a technological enlistment by taking a step in the foray into the digital economy.
Article contributed by the Association of Leaders in Administration Students LIDERA, National University of Colombia.
