Are the Internet and e-commerce truly revolutionizing business practice? This book explodes the transformation myth by demonstrating that the Internet and e-commerce are in fact being adapted by firms to reinforce their existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners. Detailed case studies of eight countries show that, rather than creating a borderless global economy, e-commerce strongly reflects existing local patterns of commerce, business, and consumer preference, and its impact therefore varies greatly by country. Paradoxically, while e-commerce is increasing the...

Are the Internet and e-commerce truly revolutionizing business practice? This book explodes the transformation myth by demonstrating that the Internet and e-commerce are in fact being adapted by firms to reinforce their existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners. Detailed case studies of eight countries show that, rather than creating a borderless global economy, e-commerce strongly reflects existing local patterns of commerce, business, and consumer preference, and its impact therefore varies greatly by country. Paradoxically, while e-commerce is increasing the...