B2B_Technology

Tabitha Taylor Electronic Business/Unit 1 IP Business to Business Technology American InterContinental University March 26, 2011 Prof. M. Gould Abstract Business to Business or B2B information technologies and applications are becoming increasingly important in the supply chains of firms. There are two B2B strategies that are the most common, an example of two are: modularization, which allows a firm to rent out its internal capabilities to others that are in its industry, and architectural entrepreneurship, which alters the supply chain allowing one central coordinating firm to facilitate arrangements that were previously made impossible (Richard & Devinney, 2011). In my research I will discuss many of the B2B that are commonly used among successful firms of today. Business to Business Technology Business to Business or B2B applications are one of the fastest growing e-commerce divisions with sales in excess of $8 trillion. Companies use B2B applications to sell or market their goods and services to companies within their genre and not sell directly to the public ("B2B Application Development", n.d.). Companies looking to sell products and services on a website are those companies that harness B2B applications. Many companies have used technology to enhance the way that they conduct business. Internet businesses are able to offer their products and services to many consumers around the world. E-business has been described as two or more businesses corresponding and functioning together as one through the internet. E-commerce is a business participating together in transactions. Many businesses today are business to business (B2B), which mean, each business only deals directly with another business to sell, or buy their products or services. Those that do not participate in the B2B utilize business to consumer (B2C). These businesses sell their products or services directly to the consumers. Cintas Corporation is a B2B e-commerce. Cintas Corporation operates more than 400 facilities throughout North America providing services to other businesses, including design and manufacturing of uniforms, entrance mats, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, and document management services ("Cintas corporate", 2011). The team at Cintas saw that there was a need and ability to provide these services to businesses. Netflix.com is a business to consumer (B2C) e-business. Netflix.com gives their customers instant access to view their favorite movies. At Netflix.com consumers can view their favorite movies in the comfort of their own homes. Netflix.com is a virtual movie theater as there is not a traditional brick and mortar store for consumers to visit (Netflix.com, n.d.). Tabitha's Tasty Treats could benefit from the use of both B2B and B2C. B2B strategies would allow me to sell my pastries in bulk directly to other businesses such as bakeries, caterers, discount food chains, and coffee shops. The benefits of selling in bulk would be that the cost of the middle man would be cut, and the capacity of sales would sky rocket. Even though products are sold at a lower price to businesses there would be more business. B2C strategies, would allow Tabitha's Tasty Treats to sale products directly to their customers. Using the internet and creating a website that is eye catching many consumers would be able to go online and purchase any product of their choice. The website would allow those consumers who would not have access to the brick and mortar the ability to purchase their treats and shipped directly to their door. Customers would spread the word of the great products and services, therefore, increasing the number of consumers that would purchase my treats. If everything is done properly using the internet will allow for a large revenue. References B2B Application Development. (n.d.). Retrieved on March 27, 2011 from http://www.roseindia.net/services/softwareservices/B2B-Application-Development.shtml Richard, P. & Devinney, T. (2011). Modular Strategies: B2B TECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURAL KNOWLEDGE. California Management Review, 00081256, Summer2005, Vol. 47, Issue 4. Retrieved from Business Source Premier database. Cintas. (2011). Corporate Profile. Retrieved on March 27, 2011 from http://www.cintas.com/company/ Netflix. (2011). About us Media Center. Retrieved on March 27, 2011 from http://www.netflix.com/MediaCenter