e-Commerce

The current focus of e-commerce is commerce over the Internet, between company's Intranets or via their Extranet of suppliers and partners. However, it also embraces:

electronic trading;
electronic messaging;
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI);
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT);
electronic mail (email);
facsimile, computer-to-fax (C-fax);
electronic catalogues and bulletin board services (BBS);
shared databases and directories;
continuous acquisition and lifecycle support (CALS);
electronic news and information services;
electronic payroll;
electronic forms (E-forms);
online access to services such as the Internet; and
any other form of electronic data transmission.

Further e-Commerce Resources

This section provides links to further e-Commerce resources and information.

Approving e-Commerce Sites

The Institute of Chartered Accountants has launched a website audit scheme called CA Webtrust that will improve consumer confidence in Internet merchants if widely adopted.

The Australian accounting industry's professional body will vet Australian Internet sites selling products and services online. The ICA says that accountants have been specially trained to audit websites in terms of transaction integrity, privacy protection and business principles.

Domain Registration

auDA the Industry regulator of the Australian domain space offers a list of Accredited Registrars.

Lodging Company Documents Online

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) , offer an internet-based, interactive website service that has been designed to make lodging documents with them a whole lot easier.

National Procurement Strategy

The Australian Procurement and Construction Council Inc (APPC) consisting of representatives of Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Governments, is taking the lead to identify the most efficient and cost effective methods for businesses to trade with Government using ecommerce. To meet this commitment the APCC has developed the Framework for National Cooperation on Electronic Commerce in Government Procurement .

The successful implementation of the strategy will see a coordinated approach across jurisdictions for procurement over the Internet. The strategy provides for a considerable increase in the access to information for both governments and suppliers. Suppliers will be able to register their capability to be automatically considered for specific contract work.

Patent Applications Online

IP Australia offer an intellectual property protection option called the innovation patent.

It has been designed to provide local industry and small business with a relatively inexpensive patent right, which is quick and easy to obtain.

To make the innovation patent compatible with the rapidly changing e-commerce environment, applying for the patent can be completed online here. Together with modern methods of payment the new system will offer a much faster and more cost effective alternative to the current application process.

Shopping Online for Businesses and Consumers

For information about shopping online and to know your rights and responsibilities when doing transactions over the Internet—visit the Australian Government website: Consumers Online .

For additional information on consumer rights and business rights and obligations visit the: ACCC website .