FAQ: Secure E Commerce Sri Lanka

What is e-commerce (electronic commerce)? E Commerce refers to selling and payment using ICT solutions (in particular, via the internet and the associated intranet and extranet solutions). 

How much does it cost to implement an e-commerce website in Sri Lanka? The cost of implementing an e-commerce site is approximately Rs. 50,000/- and (plus) fees on transactions. So if you don't have a marketable product at a good price, e commerce is not for you! Try starting your website through online orders. We at Webvision can create descriptive order forms along with images of your products so that customers can see and order online. This is indeed inexpensive and does NOT carry any transaction fees.

What is an electronic cart? An electronic cart is the standard software in electronic commerce which makes it possible to select (and, if necessary, deselect) and order products sold in a virtual shop. 

What is an electronic mall? A web site which brings together different commercial operators by offering them different services relating to electronic commerce (web space, order management, delivery, etc.).

What is an electronic trolley? Also referred as a shopping cart and shopping basket. It's a software, typically used in E-Commerce, that concurs to select and to order the products sold in a virtual store. 

What is an electronic wallet? An electronic wallet is a tool used to contain and exchange Electronic Currency. 

What is extranet? Extranet is a network of computers which connects a company to its business partners (suppliers, distributors, clients, etc.) and which supports the same protocols and the same tools as the internet (in the same way that the intranet does). Just as the intranet can be viewed as a "private" section of the internet, so the extranet can be viewed as part of the intranet. 

What is intranet? An intranet is a company network which uses the same protocols (and the same tools) as the internet. If connected to the internet (through bridge software, known as "gateways"), computers known as "firewalls" guarantee the company's security. 

Who is a merchant? The electronic commerce operator who manages sales operations. 

What is on-line delivery? One of the five operating models which come under the broad heading of electronic commerce. 

What is an on-line order? One of the five operating models which come under the broad heading of electronic commerce. 

What is on-line payment? One of the five operating models which come under the broad heading of electronic commerce. 

What is an order form? A form to be filled in on the web in order to place an order. This is one of the 3 ways of placing an order on the web (along with e-mail and the electronic cart). 

What is a merchant account? A merchant account is a business bank account that you set up to accept payment through credit cards.

What is a payment gateway? A company that offers Internet payment processing.
 
What is real time? Refers to communications that occur synchronously, i.e. when the reply follows the question immediately. Real-time credit card authorization results ensures that the credit card has not been reported as lost or stolen and that it is a valid card number.

What is a secure server? See "secure site" 

What is a secure site? A secure site, or secure server refers to any web site that uses encrypted transmissions and takes other appropriate measures to ensure the protection of sensitive information such as credit card information.

What is a shopping basket? See electronic trolley. 

What is a shopping cart? See electronic trolley. 

What is a smart card? A smart card is a tool used for electronic payments, similar to the electronic purse, which can be charged with electronic money. It can also contain additional information (personal details, health details, etc.) and is protected by a PIN (Personal Identification Number). 

What is SSL (Secure Socket Layer)? SSL is a software designed by Netscape to allow secure transmissions over a network.

Who is a vendor? See merchant. 

Who is VeriSign®? VeriSign is a company with in depth experience in payment processing and security. VeriSign is the leading provider of digital trust services that enable everyone, everywhere to engage in commerce and communications with confidence

What is a virtual mall? See electronic mall. 

What is a virtual shop? A web site where electronic commerce (in the broad sense of the term) is carried out. It may be an individual enterprise (stand alone) or part of a combined site (electronic mall).