ECommerce Systems Technology Infrastructure （电子商务系统的技术基础设施）.pdfVIP

6 E-Commerce Systems Technology Infrastructure Earlier chapters discussed vital components of e-commerce systems. This chap- ter introduces the readers to ancillary technology elements that an organization requires for the effective development and deployment of those systems. The distributed nature of e-commerce systems has further necessitated develop- ments and innovations in technologies that bind the various components of these systems together as a functioning unit. Middleware is one of those com- ponents that offer ancillary services such as security, transaction processing, time services, and so on for the building of complex e-commerce systems. The design of e-commerce systems requires many middleware services, each of which fulfills a unique role for the effective functioning of an e-commerce sys- tem. This chapter elaborates upon the many services that fall into the realm of middleware. Directory services is another such component that enables systems and users to locate each other on the network. Various standards and products in this arena have challenged organizations to choose the right standard or product for their applications and business processes. This chapter presents an overview of the popular directory services commonly used in the development and deployment of e-commerce systems. A groupware technology infrastructure is the cornerstone behind the establishment of virtual communities and the enabling of e-commerce applica- tions with features that enhance communication, collaboration, and informa- tion sharing. Groupware includes features such as e-mail, information sharing over the Internet and intranets, and workflow. This chapter elaborates upon their role within e-commerce systems. The multiple components and modules that shape an e-commerce system coupled with the dynamic business requirements