BMW Website Analysis - Mid Term Assignment

We have been given a mid term assignment which requires us to analyse the effectiveness of a particular Corporate web-site. We then have to compare the website with two other competitor sites.

We have chosen the BMW website (http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/homepage/) and decided to compare it against the Volkswagen website (http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/home) and the Chevrolet website (http://www.chevrolet.co.uk/).

Overall we found the BMW website performs well, however the build your dream car feature page was quite often slow to load and lacked functionality. It was easy to find your way around the website and is customer friendly. The website is well structured in its approach with appropriate sub headings.

We found a few errors on the website:

• Back and forward arrows within the BMW site do not work properly. Especially on the “Build your dream car” section.
• Back page function on Internet Explorer does not work properly on the BMW website.
• No search tool provided on the website. The search tool is a basic function of any site and its surprise that it is not available on the BMW website.
• The website has interactive features as it provides feedback options and press releases however a number of these features on the BMW website require specific browser settings in order to function correctly. To browse various areas of the BMW website, you must enable cookies.

I was quite disappointed with the visuals provided. The appearance of the website is geared towards traditional marketing techniques sticking to bold type faces, corporate colours and a very structured non-tangible approach.

Pure e-Commerce

"Pure e-Commerce" means everything from the product, service and process through to the delivery can be done electronically. The key being that the e-Commerce solution for Pure e-Commerce stores is the only solution offered.

Two of the most recognisable names of "Pure e-Commerce" businesses are e-Books and SecondLife.

E-BOOKS
http://www.ebooks.com/ebooks/book

What is an e-Book?
An e-Book is a book which is in digital format, it is an electronic file that can be downloaded onto most PC systems. In order to read the books you will sometimes have to install reader software, you then simply download e-Books and start reading. Also on offer now are micro e-Books, which are readable on PDA and smart phones.

SECOND LIFE
http://secondlife.com/

What is SecondLife?
Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created entirely by its Residents. Since its public inception in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.

"Pure e-Commerce" Positives:
- No physical stores so less costs involved.
- Less staff so less salary costs incurred.

"Pure e-Commerce" Negatives:
- Upfront software / development costs.
- No infrastructure to build upon.
- Zero brand recognition.
- Low retention of customers.

e-Business Vs e-Commerce

What is the difference between e-Business and e-Commerce?

"e-Business" is the conducting of business over the Internet. It is a very powerful business environment that is created when you connect business systems directly to customers, employees, vendors, and business partners, using Intranets, Extranets, e-Commerce technologies, collaborative applications and the Web.

One of the first businesses to start selling products over the Internet was Amazon and in reaction to the success other companies have started to follow suit like Dell Computer.

"e-Commerce" is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. All "e-Business" transactions involving money are "e-Commerce" activities.

"e-Business" and "e-Commerce" security is vital as the transactions processed contains highly confidential information.

For online retail selling, the term e-tailing is sometimes used.