Rather than portray e-business as a huge effort that will consume everything and will transform the world, this is a solid book on getting down to the nuts and bolts of real world. If most e-business books are geared to business suits and theories, this book is down to working uniforms and getting things done without a lot of people or time. It does not assume that you have some fancy systems or technology or that you are a big company with hundreds of IT people. It can fit start up firms and small firms as well. The book provides a detailed roadmap and tells you how to deal with the pitfalls that you will find along the way. The extensive experience of the authors in doing e-business really shows in this book in the issues, lessons learned, and examples. In using the book we have already used 40 of the guidelines and run across over twenty issues. If you want to do e-business, buy this book. If you want theory and vague concepts go elsewhere.

One thing that I liked about the book was the analysis of specific issues across an entire part of the book. There is a chapter on outsourcing as well. The steps in the book can be carried out in parallel. We have been using the book to lay out our project. The book really gets into business and politics as well as technical issues. The book points out that e-business is a program not a project. Commitment from the bottom of the organization is as important as upper management support. This is an important point that the book makes. Another thing--the book does not assume that you have an ERP. A company used the method that had an ERP and found it very useful, however. The book contains little of the "chain" and business model jargon--thankfully. As an example of common sense, the book suggests that you keep searching for the answer to the question "What is success?" This turns out to be critical in e-business since you gain a better understanding as you work your way through installing e-business. The examples and lessons learned in the book are of real use. They are detailed and specific. We have found that there are also good hints on how to manage vendors and consultants and what the roles of consultants and business departments should be. Overall, an excellent read.

I must have purchased 10 different e-commerce books. Typically, they have concepts and buzzwords, but are short on how to implement e-commerce. This is one of the few books that really deal with putting in e-commerce. It gives excellent details about how to implement--from creating a strategy to expanding your site. A best buy.

This is an excellent book on e-commerce and databases. However it is somewhat outdated as the book was presumably written during the dotcom boom. Nevertheless many of the ideas are still very useful. I would suggest that the author updates this book to reflect the recent developments.

The book covers a great deal and provdes a broad overview of web data management and e-commerce. It starts with a lot of background material on database systems, the web, data mining, etc. and then focuses on web data management technologies in Part II. Finally it describes how the technologies may be used for e-commerce. I like the writing style of the author, rather casual and takes a building block approach. He sort of tells a story about supporting technologies, web technologies and e-commerce. My one concern is that the book was written during the dotcom boom years. While the technologies are all still valid and useful, although they have advanced quite a lot today, the idea that the web and e-commerce will take over is long gone. At one time we may have thought that we will be doing all of our shopping even buying groceries on the web. But this has still not happened in large scale. Therefore, it may be time to take another look at the ideas and perhaps get another edition out reflecting what is real today. But then one never knows what the future will be. Maybe once the technologies mature and our approach to the web evolves, the dotcom ideas may take off again.

I found this book extremely useful. The author starts with some excellent background material on web data management and then goes into more details on architectures and models for web databases. Finally, she discusses their applications to e-commerce. At times I thought the book was too detailed (e.g., in data management) and at other times I felt that the book ought to have given more details (e.g. in e-commerce). Nevertheless the book emphasizes on web data management and all aspects of this topic. It was very easy to read and as a newcomer to the field I found it very thought provoking. I thought the author explained the security aspects extremely well, partly because she is an expert in database secruity. At times she dwelt more than it was necessary on security as the focus of the book was not on security. I would have liked to have seen more discussions on how specific organizations carry out e-commerce. Since the field is evolving so rapidly I would love to see a follow-on book giving details and examples on e-commerce and the applications of web data management to e-commerce. On the whole an excellent, easy to read book.

This is a book for everyone who was ever enmeshed in a corporate boondoggle. Hilarious and candid, Ross tells horror stories from the New Economy that have plenty of relevance for the Old Economy.

Ross chronicles dot-com madness during the height of the vogue, no-profit frenzy. It was like the California Gold Rush of 1849 but with no location, no objective, no direction, no product, and no defined value - just big talk and empty promises. Nothing else I've read has captured it better. We always have to re-learn the lessons in this book. Why is it important? Well, I don't know about YOUR mutual funds and investments but mine went down the toilet this year. I'll be wiser next time.

This book is a therapy of laughter for those who have been there, eating bad food and listening to the mind-numbing drone of snake-oil salesmen. And it's a sobering warning for those who haven't. Wherever you are -- in the New Economy or Old Economy, a battle-scarred manager or fresh out of B School - this book is for you. With a catalog of anecdotes that will shrivel your privates, Ross shows what happens when you mix arrogance with buffoonery, brazenness with fear, and hysteria with money. He ties it all together with an easy-to-read analysis that is at times stunning in its insight. A great read and a great value that will leave you either laughing or crying, but never in doubt about the truth of the New Economy.

As a second-year MBA student who is interested in e-commerce and the new economy, I have read many recent books on relevant subjects. Unfortunately too often those ooks were written by consultants or vendors who purposely created unnecessary buzz words, confusions, and self-serving exaggerations that twist the truth and mislead the reader.

Well, finally here 's a book that brings fresh, unbiased, and insightful perspectives. It is written by a global e-commerce manager from a fortune 500 company, who managed his company's e-initiatives and venture capital fund. Maybe because he is very hands-on with his job, this book does not preach complicated economic theories or strategies, rather it offers real world cases and examples that makes the book simple but powerful, and abover all, REAL. It is hence very easy and enjoyable to read.

The portrayal of corporate America in this book is precise and revealing. I wonder which company the author works for. It certainly reminds me of my internship in the east coast this summer.

This book is ideal for MBAs interested in careers in start-up, consulting, and corporate America.

This book pulls no punches as it outlines the smoke and mirrors used to sell the internet to buisness. Brian outlines the methods used by these internet companies to obtain money and use your established company name to build their reputation, all without supplying a meaningful product. His view as a middle manager outlines the dangers company executives entertain and the burdens they place on their people when they have high expectations without understanding the true buisness model of the companies they want to partner with. See the recent writeup in the October 2001 Harvard Buisness Review.

Winning the net game is an excellent book for small businesses trying to develop strategies on the web. What I found interesting is how she used a story of a family business in an effort to apply it to the real world. The information relates well to anyone that may not have a clear understanding of how the web can enhance a business' operations. Winning the net game in my opinion is a must read. I'm going to contact Caroline Howard is see if she can help my business.

This book is a "must read" for anyone thinking about starting a Web-based business. It is also good for those who currently have a Web-based business and want it to be more successful. Caroline Howard writes in a clear and concise style - and deftly covers such topics as choosing your domain name, competitive market analyses, developing an e-commerce business plan, e-tailing, peer-to-peer computing, the value chain, marketing and customer convenience. I highly recommend it!
Suzanne H. Montgomery, Ph.D.
President, Montgomery-Copley & Associates

Caroline Howard has managed to capture the absolute essence of on-line business in "Winning the Net Game". Her delightful, easy to read format packs tons of useful examples and tools into a comprehensive guide. As an entrepreneur and venture investor, this is highly recommended reading for everyone from neophytes to those seasoned at E-commerce.

Riveting and compelling. I loved the suspense, drama and romance. A page-turner. Strong characters with strong motives and driving passions.

Opened up an aspect of the Real Estate world until now unknown to me, and which I found intriguing.

A must-buy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Suspense, romance, twists in plot, ethical dilemmas, intrigue, and downright ruthless tactics by the antagonist all make this a good read.

As a 4th generation realtor, it was nice to finally read a book written by someone in the business - if you are in the business then you will have "names" for each character - people you know just like them.

If you are not in the business, you will understand what draws so many in and why they stay in this cutthroat world.

The author has obviously pored a lot of his heart and soul into the story, providing great realism and fact.

A great read, don't buy it unless you have time to read it cover to cover.

The names are different but every character in Alpha Male will remind you of people and personalitites in you own life.

The pace is fast and the story intriguing. Anyone involved in sales will be able to associate with the moral and ethical challanges presented in this book.

The stirring romance will keep you in your chair; because you won't be able to stand up!

This well organized directory with both alphabetical and geographical indexes was of optimum utility for me. I highly recommend it!

This well organized directory with both alphabetical and geographical indexes was of optimum utility for me. I highly recommend it!

This is the most complete directory for Chambers of Commerce that I have ever seen. The information is accurate and in-depth.

This book is essential reading for all stakeholders in an ASP scenario: providers, clients, and investors/venture capitalists. The reasons for this bold statement are:

- PROVIDERS: Chapters 3 (Understanding ASP), 5 (Network Computing and ASP Architectures), 8 (ASP Security Services), and 10 (ASP Enabling: Requirements and Fulfillment) cover the critical success factors that the ASP needs to ensure, as well as gives a good overview of what it takes to frame a value proposition to potential clients.

- CLIENTS: Chapters 2 (Why Companies Outsource), 3 (Understanding ASP), 6 (ASP Types and Services), and 7 (Managing ASPs) show what to expect from an ASP, how to determine if outsourcing to one makes business sense, and how to effectively manage an ASP after the contract is signed.

- INVESTORS/VCs: Chapters 1 (The History and Evolution of Outsourcing and ASP), 2 (Why Companies Outsource), 4 (Taxonomy for ASP Economies), 9 (Strategic Analysis of ASP Types), and 11 (The Future of ASP) make a compelling case in favor of investing in an ASP, and how to properly evaluate proposed business models.

To be sure there is a lot of overlap of material that will be of interest between and among the stakeholders cited above, but the chapters I cited will be the ones that each should read first. What makes this book so valuable is the panoramic view of the ASP industry, and the level of detail that each topic is given. The author knows his stuff, and, more importantly, knows how to clearly communicate it.

If you are among the stakeholder groups cited above this is the single most informative book on the topic to date.

Well structured and excellent all round book on hosted applications covering: the motivations for outsourcing; what application service providers (ASPs) are all about; ASP types, services and techologies used. Also good sections on ASP security and strategic analysis of ASP types. Writing quality is good. The author knows his subject and text is well edited. Overall, a very useful guide to what the ASPs are all about and a comprehensive introduction into the challenging world of the ASPs.

A wonderfully thorough examination on one of the most important themes facing tech-companies today! This book has it all; economics, strategic marketing processes, lucid observations and an incredibly learned analysis. I am stunned. Factor is hands down the world leader in ASP knowledge and a prophet in sizing up its future importance in the tech world. Read it!

This book is a detailed profile of the handful of individuals who shaped the concept of the new CEO. It is very revealing how they struggled to work their way to the top. The author creates a lucid and understandable account of the way of doing business in today's fast paced e-commerce world.

I work in the dot-com industry. I cannot stress enough how valuable this book is. Thoroughly enjoyable and educating. It inspires me to keep pushing forwards. The way the author gives us the incredible details of how people like Bezos and Ellison started their empires from nothing is invaluable intellectual property. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for motivation in business.

Being involved in the Internet economy is not as easy as it used to be. Best CEOs, however, sheds light on the appropriate steps to being successful online. The success stories in this book are truly inspirational and motivational. I highly recommend this book to anyone involved or interested in e-commerce. An amazing read!!

without a doubt - - - the most useful book i've ever seen. If you haven't bought it yet---order your copy now!

This is the book we have been waiting for. At long last, an easy to use, comprehensive guide that is as unbiased as it is informative. From internet newbies to experinced surfers, this book is terrific. I bought it as a gift, but ended up using it so much myself, that I bought a second copy. Be forewarned, one copy is not enough.

This is the best tool anyone could want this Christmas! It gives you the best online store locations to shop at! I don't even have to leave my house this year to buy a single gift.

The guide gives a great alphabetical listing of the good vendors listed on bizrate.com, along with their BizRating--so you know who you're buying from, and what type of reputation they have with other BizRate customers. Some entries even have comments straight from users' mouths. A great deal at a low price--something every avid online buyer should have.

Here, at last, is a concise introduction to the world of e-commerce for the semi-savvy professional. Terminology, strategic planning, branding, advertising, traffic generation, and, oh yes, technology... every topic budding e-ntrepreneurs need to consider before risking their futures is here presented with clarity and grace. One caveat: those looking for strictly the technical or strictly the business side of e-commerce will find this book lacking. To explain the whole, the author had little choice but to abbreviate some of the parts.

Like most titles published by Microsoft Press, this book has a decidedly pro-Redmond feel, with frequent references to bCentral, FrontPage, and other MS products and services (most notably in the section on server platforms... the author would have you believe your only choices are 2000 or NT). However, these product placements do not diminish the flow of the chapters or the value of the advice.

Alas, no one book can turn you into a dot-com success story overnight (unless Jeff Bezos' diary is for sale). But this one should certainly help.

This book isn't about just creating a website--it's about running a business! With the help of this book, I was able to come up with a plan for expanding my business into e-commerce. The book is very readable, and full of sensible advice. Each chapter moves you closer to making your idea a reality. It starts with getting real about what's going to work and steps you right through everything you need to know, all the way through building your site in the most economical way and right up to marketing it. My hat's off to this author for writing a book that's a good read and good advice, too.

Here's another primer linking small business efforts to e-commerce basics; from building a site and understanding database and transaction processing systems to understanding how to best hire a Web developer. Tips range from marketing a site effectively to making it easy for customers to use, making for an excellent coverage.