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E-BUSINESS
Part Two of A Two Part Series
Today, a simple eContent website can be produced by just about anyone using one of many software packages designed specifically for web design. To provide store front e-Business functionality (electronic catalogs, customer service, order processing, inventory control, handle return merchandise authorizations) requires technical competencies beyond what typical website designers know or feel comfortable addressing.
So, what options exist to help a company reach its e-business goals? There are a number of possibilities:
1. THE "BIG 5" CONSULTING/ AccoUNTING FIRMS. These firms specialize in the Fortune 2000 with a typical price point for e-Business in the range of >$1 million. Leading companies including Anderson Consulting, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and KPMG will do everything that is required to bring an eBusiness website project to completion.
2. ALTERNATIVE OR 2ND TIER CONSULTING FIRMS. Groups like Boston Consulting, Booze Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Bain vary little from the "Big 5" with costs often nearly the same, but a typical starting point of >$500k.
3. APPLICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS (ASPs). Depending on what industry you serve, ASPs can provide an effective e-Business Solution. ASPs are paid initially for website implementation and are paid on a monthly basis for the use of the ASP's designated software systems. These are typically contracted on a three year basis and acquired by the ASP on a client's behalf. Cost: Implementation fee >$50k - a monthly fee >$10k. If there is integration required between legacy systems and the e-Business system, additional costs are common. Implementation typically takes 2-3 months with client companies agreeing to stick close to the industry standard that has been established for clients by the ASP vendor.
While the...