Digital Money: The New Era of Internet Commerce

Despite disagreement over how (or even whether) there's money to be made on the Internet, there seems to be no disagreement that businesses should plunge ahead. This volume, described as an ""in-depth executive briefing"" opens by explaining how the Internet developed and offers basic definitions such as how to decipher a World Wide Web address. But it goes beyond jargon to a discussion of larger issues, such as how to arrange for secure financial transactions, what technologies will need to be developed for these transactions, as well as privacy and copyright concerns. The remaining chapters focus on the kinds of financial dealings, including what companies are involved and the medium's potential for new opportunities and for fraud. Although there is some truly useful information here, such as a guide for how companies should develop databases that can be used on the Internet, this book doesn't offer enough practical advice for smaller businesses. The audience in mind seems to be larger companies and those specifically involved in Internet dealings. (Feb.)