Why is electronic commerce important to cities?
Electronic commerce–what exactly is it? The answer differs, depending upon whom you ask. For example, from a strictly communications-oriented perspective, EC is the delivery of information via telephone lines, computer networks, and other means. Information can be in the form of a council agenda, financial report, notice for a job opening, citizen comment on proposed zoning, submittal of tax report, a bill, a payment, or some other service. From a resource utilization perspective, electronic commerce is the application of technology toward the automation of business transactions, like applications for building permits or licenses, and the internal day-to-day workflows of the local government. From a service perspective, electronic commerce is a tool that addresses the desire of governing bodies, citizens, and management to cut service costs, while improving the quality of goods and increasing the speed of service delivery. From a financial perspective, EC provides the capability of bu
