Customers
The website will be essential in providing the customers with relevant information about products and services offered by the business. Information from the website will help customers make informed decisions regarding purchasing products and services. In addition, customers are virtually connected with the business and can easily communicate with the website’s support staff. A website supports customers by saving time and cost associated with making a purchase. For example, a customer does not need to visit a store physically to make a purchase. From a website, a customer can read other reviews from other clients and make a decision. Any inquiries made through a business website by a customer are immediately reviewed and replied to. A website operates throughout the day, therefore, improve the customer experience,
Competitors
The e-business department can utilize modern technologies including websites to maintain the organization’s competitiveness. Using the internet to monitor competitors is an effective way of improving competitiveness. In this context, using Google alerts to monitor competitors’ progress is essential for e-business. The business can initiate the use of social media to supplement marketing strategies. Social media ensure that a business and product or service is widely known in the target market. The number of mentions through Facebook and Twitter is effective in comparing how a competitor is doing in the same business. Websites and social media are essential in conducting marketing research, especially on the industrial competition. Information obtained from monitoring competitors and market research can be used to improve the existing marketing strategies.
Intermediaries
E-business intermediaries are an essential element of the organization’s value chain. In any case, the intermediaries’ roles are to connect the organization to other business entities and the customers. In this case, the intermediaries are to set prices, process transactions, and coordinate inventory. Although the operations of the intermediaries are virtual-based, the need to guarantee quality in product and service delivery is inevitable. The intermediaries are deemed to provide the business with new capabilities especially on completing major functions. For example, intermediaries such as search engines and online directories are integral in providing customers and business partners with real-time information about the business products and services.
Suppliers
To improve relations with suppliers, the e-business can use a system with easy-to-use features. The policy of transparency should be prioritized especially on product information and transactions. In this context, the e-business department should utilize supplier catalog mapping to retrieve relevant information from different catalogs. Obtaining the best deal from suppliers requires the use of Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) tendering features. Prioritizing Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) using technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is essential for strong business-supplier ties.
Society
The responsibility of the organization to society is to promote sustainable developments and a favorable business environment. The use of the internet should be monitored to prevent immoral and illegal trade practices. In addition, e-business’s contribution to protecting the environment is by ensuring the use of digital technology does not contribute to pollution. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the organization to provide members of society with employment. Supporting society by employing local talents and partnering with suppliers is essential in sustaining developments. All e-business functions should not promote or encourage abuse of human rights. In this context, improved customer experience should be experienced by avoiding fraud and selling low-quality products.