Competitive advantage on the World Wide Web

Abstract

As the importance of the World Wide Web continues to grow, firms are seeking innovative ways to leverage the technology for competitive advantage. Firms are implementing web-based systems for internal and external information dissemination and for digital interactivity, including commerce. This paper highlights some of these uses of the web and addresses managerial and technical considerations when initiating a web site project, both on the server side and client side of the web. The focus is on issues related to cost and control considerations, technical factors, security, web page design guidelines, standards, browser selection, and legal issues. This paper may serve as a guide to managers who seek to set up shop along the information superhighway.