Techniques for implementing a load balanced server system are described which may be used for effecting electronic commerce over a data network. The system comprises a load balancing system and a plurality of servers in communication with the load balancing system. Each of the plurality of servers may include a respective data cache for storing state information relating to client session transactions conducted between the server and a particular client. The load balancing system can be configured to select, using a load balancing protocol, an available first server from the plurality of servers to process an initial packet received from a source device such as, for example, a client machine of a customer. The load balancing system can also configured to route subsequent packets received from the source device to the first server. Before generating its response, the first server may verify that the state information relating to a specific client session stored in the data cache is up-to-date. If the first server determines that the state information stored in the data cache is not up-to-date, then the first server may be configured to retrieve the desired up-to-date state information from a database which is configured to store all state information relating to client sessions which have been initiated with the server system.

Load balancing technique implemented in a data network device utilizing a data cache

Firms adopt the Internet for different purposes, ranging from simple Internet presence to using the Internet to transform business operations. This paper examines the contingency factors that affect levels of Internet adoption and their impact on competitive advantage. A questionnaire was used to gather data for this study; 159 usable responses were obtained from a sample of 566 firms in Singapore. Results indicate that most firms are still exploring the business use of the Internet. A proactive business technology strategy was found to be positively associated with the level of Internet adoption. Technology compatibility and top management support were found to have no significant relationships with the level of Internet adoption. Further, the level of Internet adoption had a significant positive relationship with competitive advantage. These results provide a better understanding of the contingency factors affecting the level of Internet adoption, as well as providing some evidence of the positive impact of Internet adoption on competitive advantage.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057%2Fpalgrave.ejis.3000448.pdf

A contingency perspective on internet adoption and competitive advantage

This paper presents an in-depth analysis toward understanding the business value components an organization can derive from adopting radio frequency identification (RFID). Although this subject is currently a hot topic, many organizations are slow in warming up to the idea of using RFID to conduct more effective and efficient business processes. We propose a framework for evaluating the business value of RFID technology, hoping that a better understanding of the business value of RFID will encourage more organizations to implement it. Emphasis is on delivering business value through refining business processes and expanding the business model. We illustrate these concepts drawing on the experience of five early adopters from the Taiwan healthcare industry and formulate this framework as a set of propositions based on relevant literature, cases from pioneers in the field and our intuition. These propositions will need to be validated through empirical evidence. r 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

/pdf/evaluating-the-business-value-of-rfid-evidence-from-five-44860d0jh3.pdf

Evaluating the business value of RFID: Evidence from five case studies

Founded on IT diffusion and assimilation theory, a survey study of 54 Canadian travel agencies has allowed us to identify various factors determining the assimilation of electronic commerce by small enterprises in the form of informational, transactional, and strategic implementation of a Web site. The results indicate that informational implementation and transactional implementation are determined by the environmental context (business partners’ influence and environmental uncertainty), whereas strategic implementation is determined by the travel agencies’ marketing strategy (in terms of distribution and communication), the organizational context (type of ownership, nature of business), and the characteristics of electronic commerce (perceived advantages and technology attributes).

Determinants of Web site implementation in small businesses

This paper addresses the issue of understanding the components of the business value an organization can derive from using electronic commerce. This subject is currently a hot discussion topic, with some companies contemplating cutting back on their electronic commerce presence, as they cannot see the short term benefits. We therefore propose a framework consisting of ten components of the business value of electronic commerce, showing how they can improve, transform or redefine current products, processes or business models. We illustrate these by examples of successful early adopters from the retail, banking and travel industries. These components are formulated as a set of propositions, which will need to be validated through empirical evidence. The paper then addresses some general effects of electronic commerce, such as its potential for competitive advantage and its effect on intermediation in an industry. We link the ten business value propositions with Porter’s model for competitive advantage within an industry. We finally review some of the current issues in dealing with electronic commerce systems and conclude by arguing that before any major project is undertaken, a solid strategy should be formulated, including the understanding of the sources of its business value and its strategic impact.

http://portals.dmst.aueb.gr/ec/papers/OnTheRoad_1stLecture__5137.pdf

On the Road of Electronic Commerce -- a Business Value Framework, Gaining Competitive Advantage and Some Research Issues

This paper first introduces some of the trends shaping modern business strategies, such as the mass customization of services, the interactive design of products with customers, the service envelope around the most basic products and the increasing information intensity of products. It then illustrates how such trends apply to the tourism industry and describes the way Information & Communication Technology (ICT) can support or enable such strategies. This will be linked to major trends in the tourism industry (globalisation, commission capping, new competitors, new partnerships, deregulation & increased volatility, etc).

Michael Bloch

Papers

On the Road of Electronic Commerce -- a Business Value Framework, Gaining Competitive Advantage and Some Research Issues

The IT-enabled extended enterprise, applications in the tourism industry