Everyone is familiar with business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce companies like Amazon. You may also have used consumer-to-consumer (C2C) companies like eBay. In addition to working with customers, every business works with other companies, such as suppliers, distributors, warehouse companies, freight/logistics companies, design partners, business customers, manufacturers, delivery companies for consumers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS), product service companies (e.g., installers, repairers), banks, maintenance and service for the business (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, cleaning), travel service companies for employee travel, food service companies for employee cafeterias, etc.. In addition, every business works with the federal, state, and sometimes local governments to pay taxes. Plus, businesses may provide products and services to the government, bid on government contracts, and submit government-mandated reports such as environmental reports and occupational safety reports.

A) For this week’s discussion board, use the business you picked in week 1 and describe either a business-to-business (B2B) or a business-to-government (B2G) opportunity. (This does not have to be something the business is already doing.) Be specific about the type of information that would be shared electronically between your business and another business or government entity.

B) For B2B and B2G systems, often your business’ systems connect directly to the systems of another business or government entity. Specify the frequency of the interactions with the B2B or B2G systems you are proposing. For instance, is up-to-the-minute information needed or would daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly updates sufficient? Does a certain ad hoc event trigger the eBusiness interactions? Please explain your answer.

C) EBusiness systems are usually connected to a company’s internal system for processing and storing the information shared electronically with another business or government entity. For your B2B or B2G eBusiness system, specify which internal system(s) would be connected to it: computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), supply chain management (SCM) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, or another internal system. Remember: CAD/CAM systems enable businesses to design and manufacture unique products. SCM systems are used by businesses with a large number of suppliers and products. CRM systems enable businesses to better manage customer information. ERP systems help to manage resources (e.g., finance, inventory, human resources). Explain why the systems(s) you specified would need to be connected to your eBusiness system.

D) Does the B2B or B2G system tie into the business strategy you described in week 1? Explain how the B2B or B2G system you are proposing could give your business an advantage over competitors.

After you have made your discussion board posting, respond to at least two other students with suggestions for how B2B or B2G opportunities could be used in their business.