Amazon.co.uk Review
Ostensibly
Beginning E-Commerce (with VB, ASP, SQL Server 7.0 & MTS) is a book about creating an e-commerce site. Reynolds makes all the familiar noises; for example, he explains the advantages of the three-tier structure for distributed applications: presentation, business and database tier. He talks about business models, scalability and business-to-business. However, as the title suggests, this is really a book about using Microsoft products as a one-stop e-commerce solution. If you aren't planning to run your business on Windows NT4 servers, develop it using IIS4, VB6, MS-SQL Server 7 and InterDev 6 you're reading the wrong book. If you work in a Microsoft house or plan to, then
Beginning E-Commerce is an excellent worked introduction to building distributed applications.
The book is structured around the creation of a site for a fictitious coffee machine company. The project is followed through from installing the original development software to deploying and--unusually--marketing the site. Chapter 17, which deals with ways to integrate the site with other e-commerce sites--for automatic re-ordering for example--is well worth reading (though the subject is also covered in Chapter 8 where the author recommends automated e-mail for simplicity and cost-effectiveness). Reynolds goes into detail on integration problems and, as usual, recommends XML (having thoroughly put down EDI). However Reynolds isn't as blasé about XML as most. He recognises the problems inherent in so flexible a protocol. The useful appendices cover Data Cash, user forums, ASP, ActiveX and VBScript.
Overall, this is a highly readable, well structured guide to creating a distributed, Web-based application using Microsoft products. Its real strength is in coming at the subject from a commercial rather than a purely programmatic point of view. It will help you work smarter. --Steve Patient
Synopsis
The explosive growth of retail over the Internet, is encouraging more small to medium size businesses to consider the benefits of setting up E-Commerce web sites. While there are great and obvious advantages to trading online, there are also many hidden pitfalls that may be encountered when developing a retail website. This book provides the reader with a practical, step-by-step guide to setting up an E-Commerce site. From the first plans of the site, building the infrastructure through to going online and dealing with customers.
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