Who will host the e-commerce software?
One option is to host the software yourself, which means that you buy and install the software on your own servers. This includes purchasing an SSL certificate for security and setting up appropriate connections to the other parts of your web site and company databases. This option is best for companies that already host their own web site and have sufficient technical staff to maintain it. In-house hosting allows you to maintain tight links to your existing ordering and inventory systems, and permits a greater level of customization, both in terms of the features and look of the store and the back-end interface. The main drawback is that it can require a lot of time to implement. Plus, ongoing maintenance can be a drain on your internal resources. The other choice is to have the e-commerce software hosted by an external company. That considerably reduces your operational burden. It may, however, also result in less flexibility in appearance, features, and integration with your interna
