E-Commerce, authored by Monoj Kumar Deka and Munmi Borthakur, is a comprehensive and student-friendly textbook developed strictly according to the CBCS Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) syllabus for B.Com 3rd Semester (Dibrugarh University) and B.Com 4th Semester (Gauhati University). The book is also widely relevant for B.Com programs across all Indian universities that offer E-Commerce as a skill-based elective.

This book provides a practical, easy-to-understand and structured introduction to the world of online business. With the rapid shift of commercial activities to the digital space, understanding E-Commerce has become essential for commerce students, entrepreneurs and future business professionals. The textbook combines conceptual frameworks with real-world applications, making learning engaging and industry-oriented.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO E-COMMERCE (Pages 11–26)

This unit introduces students to the foundations of electronic commerce, its features, advantages, limitations, business models, and the basics of internet technologies essential for online business.

1.0 Objectives

Overview of concepts and skills students should acquire through this unit.

1.1 Introduction

Meaning, evolution and scope of E-commerce; comparison with traditional commerce.

1.2 Features of E-Commerce

Ubiquity, global reach, interactivity, personalization, information density, etc.

1.3 Advantages of E-Commerce

1.3.1 Advantages to Organizations

Expanded markets, reduced costs, automation, improved supply chain.

1.3.2 Advantages to Customers

Convenience, choice, price comparison, 24×7 availability.

1.3.3 Advantages to Society

Better services, online transactions, digital governance.

1.4 Disadvantages of E-Commerce

1.4.1 Technical Disadvantages

Server issues, security risks, internet limitations.

1.4.2 Non-Technical Disadvantages

Lack of trust, privacy concerns, digital divide.

1.5 E-Commerce Business Model

B2B, B2C, C2C, C2B models; evolving digital business models.

1.6 Introduction to World Wide Web & Internet

1.6.1 Evolution of WWW

Timeline and development of internet technologies.

1.6.2 Basic Features

Hyperlinks, multimedia, web pages, browsing.

1.6.3 Role of Internet

Internet as backbone of E-commerce activities.

1.7 Designing, Building & Launching E-Commerce Website

Basic steps, domain registration, hosting, interface design.

1.8 Let Us Revise

Summary of key concepts.

Model Questions

Chapter-based questions for practice.

UNIT 2: SECURITY AND ENCRYPTION (Pages 27–38)

This unit covers the crucial aspects of online security, privacy, threats, and ways of protecting E-commerce systems.

2.0 Objectives

What students will learn about security mechanisms.

2.1 Introduction to E-Commerce Security

Types and importance of E-commerce security.

2.2 Information Privacy

Data privacy principles, protection of customer information.

2.3 E-Commerce Security Dimensions

Integrity, confidentiality, authentication, availability.

2.4 What is E-Commerce Security?

Components and goals of a secure online environment.

2.5 Major Threats to E-Commerce Security

Hacking, phishing, malware, DoS attacks, identity theft.

2.6 Reasons for E-Commerce Security Threats

System vulnerabilities, human errors, technological loopholes.

2.7 Ways to Combat E-Commerce Threats

Security protocols, encryption, firewalls, SSL, digital certificates.

2.8 Let Us Revise

Summary of key concepts.

Model Questions

UNIT 3: IT ACT 2000 AND CYBER CRIMES (Pages 39–57)

This unit discusses the legal framework governing E-commerce in India, along with cyber crimes and digital security legislations.

3.0 Objectives

3.1 Cyber Crime

Types of cyber crimes, cyber fraud, phishing, cyber terrorism.

3.2 Cyber Law

Need for cyber law and legal protection.

3.3 Information Technology Act, 2000

Key provisions, electronic records, penalties.

3.4 Digital Signature

Meaning, working, legal recognition.

3.5 Electronic Governance

E-governance initiatives and online public services.

3.6 Attribution, Acknowledgement & Dispatch of Electronic Records

Legal recognition of electronic documents.

3.6.1 Attribution of Electronic Records

3.6.2 Acknowledgement of Receipt

3.6.3 Time & Place of Dispatch/Receipt of Electronic Records

3.7 Regulation of Certifying Authorities

Role of CA and digital certificate system.

3.8 Digital Signature Certificates

3.9 Duties of Subscribers

3.10 Penalties & Adjudication

3.11 Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal

3.12 Offences

Model Questions

UNIT 4: E-PAYMENT SYSTEM (Pages 58–67)

This unit explains different payment methods, digital signatures, online banking and the working of payment gateways.

4.0 Objectives

4.1 Introduction

Significance of electronic payments.

4.2 Traditional Payment Methods

Cash, cheque, demand draft.

4.3 Electronic Payment Methods

Cards, UPI, digital wallets, net banking.

4.4 Digital Signature

4.4.1 How Digital Signatures Work

4.4.2 Applications of Digital Signatures

4.4.3 Digital Signature in India

4.5 Payment Gateway

Verification, authorization, settlement.

4.6 Concept of Online Banking

4.6.1 Features

4.6.2 Types of Fund Transfers (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS)

4.6.3 Advantages

4.6.4 Disadvantages

4.7 Let Us Revise

Model Questions

UNIT 5: ONLINE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS (Pages 68–90)

5.0 Objectives

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Transactions

Speed, convenience vs security risks, dependency on technology.

5.3 E-Commerce Applications

Retail, banking, tourism, healthcare, education, government.

5.4 Online Services

5.5 Online Auctions

Forward auctions, reverse auctions, bidding systems.

5.6 Online Portals

Portals for business, education, newspapers, services.

5.7 Online Learning

5.8 Online Publishing & Entertainment

5.9 Online Shopping

Ordering systems, supply chain, customer experience.

UNIT 6: BASIC HTML FOR WEB PAGE CREATION (Pages 91–126)

This unit gives practical exposure to website creation using basic HTML.

6.1 Introduction to HTML

6.2 HTML Tags & Structures

Heading tags, paragraph tags, bold/italic, line breaks, HR.

6.3 Lists

Ordered, unordered, definition lists.

6.4 Images & Hyperlinks

Embedding images, absolute vs relative links.

6.5 Tables

Table tags, captions, attributes.

6.6 Basic Form Creation

Input fields, submit/reset buttons.

6.7 Frames

6.8 Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

6.8.1 Advantages

6.8.2 Disadvantages

6.8.3 Types of CSS (Inline, Internal, External)

6.8.4 CSS Syntax

6.8.5 CSS Box Model

6.9 Let Us Revise

Model Question Papers I, II, III