Electronic commerce comprises electronic trading of goods and services and falls into two categories:

	Indirect E-Commerce: electronic ordering of tangible goods; the actual goods are however delivered in a traditional form (via DHL etc.)
	Direct E-Commerce: electronic ordering and delivery of intangible goods (electronic material e.g. software, games, video, etc.)

Some of the many advantages of E-Commerce for the consumer are:

	Avoiding crowds by shopping online in the comfort of your home or office
	Shopping on your time (internet stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days per year)
	Your purchases are delivered directly to your home or office.
	Unlimited Choices

There are many advantages for businesses as well, particularly small and/or home businesses such as:

	Lower Startup and Overhead Expenses
	Global Exposure - Unlimited Marketing Reach
	Automated Order Processing