solutions are typically introduced in stages, but usually beginning in one of four areas:
Direct marketing and selling over the Internet
Managing a company’s purchasing
The rationalisation of a firm’s supply chain
The world of financial services.
HMV
HMV, the number one specialist music retailer in the UK and a company that has traditionally been quick to adapt to changes in the market place, wanted to move beyond traditional retailing methods and take advantage of the global opportunities e-commerce can offer. The company was also keen that this new online plan was not isolated from its overall business strategy, but built on the strength of the high-street brand.
With the assistance of the Microsoft partner iXL and using Microsoft technology, HMV has developed a website specifically designed with the firm’s business requirements in mind. Once the decision had been taken, it took just three months before the first Internet purchase was made. Demand has already exceeded HMV’s expectations - the market continues to grow and HMV has plans to expand the site to reach a worldwide audience.