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Information Technology Schools Create Ecommerce Superstars
September 1, 2005
by Edward Castro
Business Programs Columnist
The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce estimated that U.S. retail ecommerce sales for the first quarter of 2005 were $19.8 billion, an increase of 6.4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2004.
Silicon Valley may never fully recover from the dot bomb disaster, which peaked over five years ago, but that doesn't mean that information technology schools are the wrong way to go for anyone looking for a successful career. While investors seem skittish about focusing on technology, students, consumers and businesses are taking full advantage of the promises made during the bubble years.
From Business-To-Business, To Retail Ecommerce
Whether it applies to business-to-business ecommerce or retail ecommerce, ecommerce works. Thanks to innovative software solutions and the advent of the Miva ecommerce Web site designer, online retailers can find success. Miva or MivaScript is a proprietary computer scripting language mainly used for Internet applications such as ecommerce. While PHP is still the most popular ecommerce tool, there is a growing number of web hosting companies that support Miva on their servers.
Miva Ecommerce Web Site Designer
A Miva ecommerce Web site designer can build a business-to-business or retail ecommerce website capable of secure real-time transactions to sell products and services on the Internet. A Miva ecommerce website designer understands the Miva application thoroughly, including how the package handles sales statistics, catalog management, inventory tracking, affiliate marketing, and even up-sell, coupon, and member discounting. As more and more business is conducted online, an ecommerce web site is increasingly necessary to stay competitive. Have a hard time believing that? Here are some facts to consider:
- The nation's biggest airlines are in trouble in part because such web-savvy companies as Southwest and JetBlue are able to market their product to an even greater audience at a much cheaper price.
- Apple Computer's iTunes Music Store is almost single-handedly saving the music industry. Through an effective use of ecommerce technology, online music stores have developed the only realistic way to stop illegal free downloads.
- Ecommerce has also changed the way we buy cars. Now, fully two-thirds of new-car buyers do their primary research online before going to showrooms. Ecommerce may not sell the car, but car dealers can no longer dupe unsuspecting consumers into paying more for their vehicle.
The Future of Ecommerce
Degrees from information technology schools are a great investment. Ecommerce sales increased in 2004 by 24 percent to $69 billion. In addition, billions of dollars are being made in online advertising, business-to-business ecommerce, and online research used to make purchases from brick and mortar establishments. Degrees from information technology schools can clearly help you tap into this economic bonanza.
About the Author
Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.
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