Congratulations! I just hired you to be my web developer for my new business "Kelli's Kitty Cat Clothing and Couture"!* I have decided to take my hobby** and transform it into an e-commerce company where I can sell my elaborate cat clothing designs across the world. As my web developer, I need you to research and tell me what it's going to take for me to move my company onto the Internet and sell products to customers using computers and mobile devices. Using the five pieces of technology infrastructure needed for an e- and m-commerce business, research the key components of the technology infrastructure that my company needs to put into place for e-commerce and m-commerce. What hardware/software/systems I am going to need to purchase or contract with to make my dream a reality?*** Write a 1-2 page report or memo addressing the five following components for my e-commerce plan:

Hardware

Web Server Software

E-Commerce Software

Mobile Commerce Hardware and Software

Electronic Payment Systems - including security considerations

If you decide to send my business to the cloud, how does the cloud deal with the five components listed above? Would I still need some hardware to use and create my catalog? (This answer is yes, I would. What hardware would I need to start using one of these web based e-commerce systems?) Be sure to check out the FAQ or About Us pages to see what kind of safety the companies use for electronic payment systems (SSL, Encryption, payment gateways). I have provided companies that provide these services above in the graphic. You can research them as a starting point, and if you decide it's the best option, discuss why. Include URLs and links to the respective company/product/service.

If you'd like to research the methods to set up your own components (meaning that I would be purchasing a server, web server software, etc), you can also research that route and make a recommendation. This method is more challenging so if you go this method, you'll have a bit more work cut out for you because you'll need to research to make sure all these components will work together. It can be done though.

Your report should be divided into four sections. If one of these four sections are missing, points will be deducted:

Overview of Recommendation - including URLs to products/companies

Recommendation for Needed Hardware - summary of the selection, discussion on why it was selected (remember I'm starting from scratch so I'll need to build my catalog. What components would be necessary for me to build my catalog?)

Recommendation for Needed Software - Including web server software (which will be provided by the company you selected or, if you are building your own system, you will need to decide) and eCommerce software. Include a discussion on why it was the best selection for my company

Recommendation for Payment Processing - What payment types will I accept? How will my business and customers securely make purchases?