Digital Reference Inc (DRI) is a start-up company that would like to provide a service byoffering easy access to needed information in specialized fields such as accounting, auditing, taxation, governance and compliance, project management, strategy management, finance, etc.Although their business plan calls for moving into a number of fields, DRI would like to begin by addressing the needs of people in theaccounting, auditing, and taxation fields.

Its first two target groups arepublic accounting firms and the general public.

For the general public, the plan is to provide a website with advice on various issues such as generally accepted accounting principles, auditing standards, tax laws, savings and investments rules, etc. The site would also contain links to other sites where visitors will be able to obtain links to other websites where visitors will be able to obtain advice on such issues as how to establish a new business.

For professionals in public accounting firms, DRI would like to offer more detailed information management and client support services. Additionally, the company wants to provide capabilities that might help the public accounting firms manage their standard office functions such as e-mail, phone, fax, printing, scheduling, helpdesk support, etc.

Website reference: WebMD Inc.

Create a memo (no more than 1,200 words) to the owners / senior management that shows:

1. The goal of the organization and the role of information systems (clear and concise manner)

2. Analyze the industry and competitive marketplace as well as identify the best competitive strategy to pursue given the company's strengths and weaknesses

3. Compare and contrast the top two eCommerce business models (advantage and disadvantages) that may suit the overall objective identified in #1 above and recommend the best eCommerce business model based on your analysis (the following is an overview of the various eCommerce business models)

Business Model	Business Model Description	Example	Corresponding Website
Virtual Storefront	Sell physical goods online instead of through a physical storefront or retail outlet. The goods are then shipped to the customers for a fee within a specified timeline.	Amazon	www.amazon.ca
Information Broker	Provides product, pricing, and availability information. The final purchase transaction is usually conducted elsewhere.	Edmunds	www.edmunds.com
Transaction Broker	Provides service that allows people to complete monetary transactions for buying and selling products and services.	PayPal	www.paypal.com/ca/home
Online Marketplace	Provides digital environment where buyers and sellers can meet, search for products, display products, and establish prices for those products. Can provide online auctions or reverse auctions as well as negotiated fixed pricing contracts.	eBay	www.ebay.ca
Content Provider	Creates revenues by providing digital content such as digital news, music, photos, or video over the Web.	Wall Street Journal	www.wsj.com
Online Service Provider	Provides online hardware and software services for individuals and businesses.	Insight	www.ca.insight.com
Portal	Provides an initial point of entry to the Web along with specialized content and other services.	Google	www.google.ca
Virtual Community	Provides an online meeting place where people with similar interests can communicate and find useful information.	Reddit	www.reddit.com

4. Describe the nature, type, and role of each of the five components of information systems in supporting your recommended eCommerce business model to help the organization achieve its overall objectives

5. Recommend specific types of hardware, data storage, and networking requirements / technologies to support the effective deployment of the recommended eCommerce business model.