NetActive South Africa`s largest independent Internet service Provider (ISP), is preparing itself for the expected e-commerce boom and Has just announced it`s first e-commerce venture, an online florist.
Netflorist, http://www.netflorist.co.za, the first e-commerce service to go live from NetActive, will see customers ordering flowers online. Since going live on 9 February a number of South Africans living abroad have used the site to send flowers to family and friends in SA. The NetFlorist site can currently be accessed via a number of local search engines.
To overcome security concerns credit cards will be switched in realtime, which means the details are submitted to the bank and within seconds the transaction is authorised or declined.
According to Jonathan Hackner, e-commerce Director at NetActive, the adoption of electronic commerce has taken slightly longer in SA due to security issues and the consumer`s hesitance in providing confidential banking details. "We believe that excellent customer service from web-based companies and improved security software is providing reassurance".
Personal information, such as credit card numbers are never sent over the Internet in a way that can be intercepted or read by anyone other than NetActive or the bank. Information is sent over the Internet using SSL (secure socket layer) technology. SSL authenticates the server so customers know they are dealing with the intended Web commerce site. It encrypts sensitive information before sending it across the Internet, and it provides a way to verify that the transmission has not been altered en route.
To ensure customers` peace of mind NetActive has provided customer care information on the site including full contact details. The fact that NetActive is also an established reputable company is also an important factor as many customers are concerned about transacting with fly-by-night companies who set up web sites and then disappear into cyberspace.
The benefits of online e-commerce sites in generating business are staggering. On the supplier`s side he can identify his customers, differentiate them, interact with them and finally customise products and services to meet their needs.
This in turn translates to more loyal customers, which is the latest trend in customer relationship management. South Africa is only beginning to scratch the surface of what can be achieved using the Internet as a medium for communication between consumers, vendors and their suppliers.
Adds Hackner, " We at NetActive have put a strategy in place to be the recognised leader in unlocking the true power and benefit of the Internet and strive to ensure that our subscribers, whether home users or small businesses derive real, measurable benefit from using the Internet."
South Africa is well advanced in world rankings regarding electronic commerce, with the four major banks offering full Internet banking and many other institutions with plans underway.
NetActive sees 1999 as an exciting year for those involved in the Internet industry and that e-commerce will be a major factor to consider.
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