LINKS IN THIS SECTION

- ISP and Hosting Services
- Customer/Partner Communication and Management Systems
- Payment Processing Services
- Certification and Security Services

RELATED SECTIONS

- Taxation of Offshore E-commerce
- Regulation of Offshore E-commerce
- Offshore Professional and Financial Services
- Offshore E-commerce Applications

An offshore e-commerce or e-business application can only succeed if it operates in an effective and well-organised environment. This section analyses the key elements of offshore infrastructure, both IT and otherwise, giving practical information on the services that are needed, and advice on how to choose providers.

While some types of support have to be provided locally, there is often a choice as to whether a particular aspect of support is sourced in the chosen offshore jurisdiction, or whether it is provided from a more sophisticated onshore environment. The section of the site called E-commerce Jurisdictions deals with the level of facilities available in particular jurisdictions, and with the process of choosing one jurisdiction above others.

Some characteristics are shared by all offshore e-commerce operations, but others are specific to a particular application. This section deals with the tools, solutions and facilities needed by many or most offshore e-commerce operations; in Offshore E-commerce Applications you will find descriptions of particular applications, and any specialised systems they need.

In considering software or systems tools, it is important to be aware of the need to integrate e-commerce operations with existing systems. Software development has traditionally based on open standards, especially where the Internet is concerned. So-called 'legacy' systems, which are proprietary more often than not, can be incorporated into e-commerce systems, but it is an issue to be addressed when planning new software acquisition.

The tools described are sometimes available only from resellers, who may have rebranded them; or they may be available from both originators and resellers. Better support may be forthcoming from one or the other type of supplier, depending on circumstances.

OFFSHORE E-COMMERCE FACILITIES

- ISP and Hosting Services - The facilities you should look for in an offshore jurisdiction to support an Internet e-commerce or e-business presence.
- Customer/Partner Communication and Management Systems - The front-end systems you will need to communicate with your customers or trading partners including sales and exchange tools.
- Payment Processing Services - How to offer efficient payment processing world-wide from an offshore jurisdiction.
- Certification and Security Services - Supporting e-commerce and e-business services with certification and security facilities from an offshore jurisdiction.