North American businesses will spend nearly $9 billion with computer consultants and resellers on products and services for electronic commerce sites in 1998, according to a new industry study.
The research report, conducted by CMP Media’s Channel Information Services
(CIS), is entitled simply “Electronic Commerce Solutions” and identifies
approximately 20,600 information-technology consultants and computer resellers–so-called channel companies–providing electronic-commerce solutions for manufacturers, retailers and other businesses.
Still, there remain stumbling blocks to growth. In its study of e-commerce
providers, CIS learned that doubts and confusion about the effectiveness of
the technology comprise the No. 1 obstacle to implementing e-commerce, with
56% percent of their customers expressing that concern.
Surprisingly, doubts about security are not significant, with only 7% of consultants and resellers saying that inadequate security to conduct electronic business is an obstacle.
Channel Information Services said it relied on multiple sources to develop
this
report, including its own database of computer-distribution channel companies
in North America, qualitative interviews of companies, and a March 1998 online poll.
Telephone surveys of consultants and resellers involved with Internet,
intranet or extranet products and services were completed for CIS by the
Gallup Organization in January 1998.