URLs can change over time. If any of the sites used in these Internet Exercises change, please visit the Turban Electronic Commerce 2002, 2e Companion Web site at http://www.prenhall.com/turban for an update.

Chapter 8

1. Visit onlinestore.ups.com. Enter the store and simulate a purchase. Explain how the tools provided add value to customer transactions.
   
   
2. Visit EXP.com, eLance.com, and SoloGig.com. Identify at least three consultants at each site who specialize in e-strategy, three who specialize in general EC systems design, and three who specialize in designing some specialized component of an EC system, such as graphics, billing systems, or inventory systems. For each of these categories, list the three consultants' names, URL or e-mail, and a two-sentence overview of the major services provided.
   
   
3. Visit three separate Adult Verification sites. Who is this service primarily targeting (which category of B2C Web sites)? Who pays for the service and who benefits? What distinguishes the various services, and which one seems to offer the greatest value? Are there other methods of verifying the age of a visitor? List three of these sites along with a synopsis of each business.
   
   
4. Visit ecredit.com and review the services provided both to businesses and to financial institutions.
   
   
5. Check out hp.com. Find out more about the B2B e-payment system described in the opening case. Look for customer success stories and for business partners.
   
   
6. Enter b2byellowpages.com, a2zofb2b.com, and b2bbusiness.net and compare the information provided on each site. What features do all three sites share? How do the sites differ?
   
   
7. Visit b2btoday.com. Go to the B2B Communities area and identify the major vendors there. Then select three vendors and examine the services they provide to the B2B community. Also enter communityb2b.com and examine the information provided and the usefulness of joining the site.
   
   
8. Enter emarket.com, google.com, and cnnfn.com and find recent information about Akamai. Summarize recent information on Akamai.
   
   
9. Surf the Internet and find three companies that offer B2B affiliate programs that are not cited in this chapter. Comment on the similarities and differences of the three sites.
   
   
10. Find XML-related projects by visiting ebXML.org, w3.org, and rosettanet.org. Prepare a report based on your research.
    
    
11. Visit dellhost.com and review all the B2B services that it provides.
    
    
12. Enter mspassociation.org. Go to the buyers' guide and take the demonstration tour. What are the potential advantages of using an MSP?
    
    
13. Enter LinkShare.com and examine their LinkSynergy program. Compare the concept to that of LinkExchange at bcentral.com.