Large Systems
The hosting companies we’ve recommended have designed their systems for 98% of the businesses who will do standard “ecommerce.”
There are times when that won’t do.
Big database
For example, if you’re creating Amazon.com, with literally thousands of different items for sale, and a hundred or more “stores,” you need a big company system.
That’s not so easy. Some firms have invested millions developing “big” systems, then thrown in with other marketers like Amazon. Borders bookstores gave up with their website, and now Borders.com takes you to Amazon, who shares the income with Borders.
The challenge is creating searchable pages of thousands, even millions of products, where availability and pricing is constantly changing, uploaded from vendors databases on a daily basis.
Unique Programming
Another situation that may preclude using these standard hosting services is when you need a website that has special programming. That’s what happened to eBay. They had to develop special auction software to run on the web.
Online travel agents are another example. If you’re going to access actual available hotel rooms or flights, it’s beyond the norm and requires custom programming.
What do these “big” systems have in common?
They cost a fortune.
The examples I’ve listed here were successful. Many more have failed after investing thousands, even millions of dollars in creating a big system. After investing a million dollars, you’d expect it to work, but it won’t always.
If you’re moving into this arena, tread carefully.
The answer is contracting with a major information systems company like IBM.
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