ActiveX

This set of technologies from Microsoft provides tools for linking desktop applications to the World Wide Web. Using a variety of programming tools--including Java, Visual Basic, and C++ developers can create interactive Web content. For instance, ActiveX technology can allow users to view Word and Excel documents directly in a browser. Ecom Technology Transactions utilizes ActiveX for its COM/Win NT Transaction Component.

Authorization

Process by which the credit card company and/or bank permits the payment transaction to proceed. See also Pre-authorization .

Card-Not-Present Account

A merchant account that is established for businesses where credit cards are primarily accepted by phone or by mail, and therefore are "not present". Sometimes known as a Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) account.

Charge-back

When a consumer contests a purchase that appears on his/her banking statement they charge it back to the merchant.

Clearing or Settlement

The process whereby financial institutions collect or pay out for items drawn on, or paid into, accounts in their institution. Ecom Technology Transactions settles according to the credit card companies agreements with banking institutions.

COM (Component Object Model)

COM makes it easier to create components (pieces of code) or use pre-existing components that can interact with other components and applications (using the object model). A plus is that these components can be written using a variety of computer languages.

CTR

Customer Transaction Report. With Ecom Technology Transaction Processing Solution, the CTR receipt is issued upon completion of a transaction. It states the business name and has an authorization number.

Digital Certificate

Digital certificates are a password protected file that is issued from a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA validates information on a company or person and then issues a certificate. This certificate identifies and provides information such as name, email address, and encryption key so that people can be more certain that the information provided on a Web site is genuine. Additionally, security protocols such as SSL are digital certificates that are commonly used for order forms and to ensure secure online environments.

Discount Rates

This rate is charged on credit card sales of merchants by the credit card issuers (bank).

E-commerce

Conducting business activities buying, selling, and other transactions via communications and computer technologies. It includes transactions done by telephone, fax, ABM, credit card, debit card, television shopping, EDI and the Internet.

Encryption

Encoding and securing information by converting its format for transmission. Receivers of the encrypted message have to decrypt it to read it.

Firewall

A system between networks that filters data passing through it and removes unauthorized traffic, thus enhancing the networks security.

Gateway

A gateway is a program or piece of hardware that passes data between networks. Ecom Technology has established gateways with banking networks and payment processors.

IBM Net.Commerce

IBMs Web site development software.

Internet Merchant Account

The type of merchant account necessary to accept credit cards over the Internet. It is a variant of a Card-not-present account. See also Merchant Account.

IP

Internet Protocol

The Internet protocol defines how information gets passed between systems across the Internet.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A company that provides individuals and businesses with access to the Internet. Many ISPs also provide Web site hosting services. Ecom Technology utilizes IP protocol.

IVR Telephony

Integrated Voice Response telephony is the technology that creates automatic message selections through phone systems. Ecom Technology software can be used in IVR telephony.

Java

Sun Microsystems' Java is a programming language that adds animation, graphics and actions to Web sites.

JavaBean

A component technology for Java that lets a developer creates reusable software objects. Ecom Technology has a Java Bean Transaction Component.

Linux

A freely distributed, Intel-processor-based alternative to UNIX. Linux is an operating system that is an inexpensive solution when compared to UNIX. Linux has become increasingly popular worldwide. Ecom Technology provides Linux users a Perl Module solution.

Merchant Account

The necessity for anyone wanting to take payments/sales via credit cards, for their e-commerce business. Regular merchant accounts differ from "card not present" or Internet merchant accounts. See Internet Merchant Account and Card Not Present.

Microsoft Site Server

Microsofts Web site development software.

Payment Processing

Another phrase for transaction processing.

Perl (practical extraction and report language)

A popular programming language used for Web server applications. It can be used for creating interactive forms and CGI programs. Ecom Technology has a Perl Module Transaction Component.

Point of Sale (POS)

In the brick-and-mortar business, this is the point at which a product is paid for. Merchant Sales are conducted by credit card-swipe terminal. On the Internet, this is the software that enables the merchant to accept transactions on their online store (see 'ePOS' above).

Pre-Authorization

Method by which an amount of funds is reserved for a period of time, to await sales completion.

Real-time

Events and actions are taking place "as it happens". The time frame is "now". All Ecom Technology transactions take place in real-time.

Reporting

Ecom Technology provides extensive reporting with our Ecom Technology Member Services. Detailed deposit totals and online activity can be tracked daily.

SET

Secure Electronic Transaction, is a protocol under development with MasterCard and Visa, as a method to secure payment card transactions over the Internet.

Settlement

When money is deposited into the various accounts related to a purchase with a credit card, this is settlement. Ecom Technology facilitates daily settlement with merchants.

Shopping Basket or Shopping Cart

When you shop online, you collect the items you are going to buy in a shopping basket or cart, so that you can check your list when you are ready to purchase them. Ecom Technologys software has been successfully integrated into several shopping carts.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

A widely used public security protocol, SSL creates a secure link between a Web server and the browser. With SSL all data sent is encrypted. Ecom Technology requires that Web sites using our services have SSL.

Transaction Processing

Process that enables the clearing of purchases in an electronic environment, such as the Internet. In the case of Ecom Technology, we provide a means to process credit card transactions.

UNIX

UNIX is general-purpose operating system. UNIX has become popular again since much of the Internet is hosted on UNIX systems. UNIX platforms can implement E-xacts Perl Module.

Virtual Point of Sale (vPOS)

A Point of Sale device, where people can ring through sales online. Ecom Technologys Member Services supplies all Ecom Technology members with a vPOS.

Web Hosting

Hosting your site means a company provides the means by which people can locate your Web site on a computer or server. Many ISPs and E-commerce Solution Providers offer Web Hosting.

Web Site Development

The front face to an online business, Web sites can be developed in house or with the help of Web developers. The presentation of a Web site depends on the level of development and technology implemented. E-commerce solutions are sometimes included in basic package provided by "e-commerce solution" providers.

Web Storefront

A Web site store. Ecom Technology's software can be integrated into Web storefronts.