As the title of the book indicates, the focus is on the managerial perspective, not the technological perspective, of electronic commerce. However, the underlying technologies of e-commerce are interwoven into the discussion as appropriate, for example, in the chapter on security.

The book is intended for use as a textbook in a course on e-commerce. However, readers who want to gain a thorough, broad, and rich understanding of this far-reaching and increasingly important subject should eye this book as well. Among those readers could be potential investors, job seekers, and potential e-commerce business founders. The book can also serve as a valuable reference for researching a particular e-commerce topic in depth, for definitions, for understanding key concepts, and for case study examples.

The first impression is likely to be daunting, as this large textbook is nearly 800 pages in length, not counting chapter 18 (which is only available online). Textbook prices have risen over the years, and this one is no exception to the rule. However, the reader should be able to get a great deal of value for the investment. Covering the wide spectrum of topics in e-commerce seems like an overwhelming task, but the authors are able to do it successfully. The writing is clear and easy to read and understand.

Another challenge is keeping the book fresh and current, since having an online chapter can only do so much. However, the authors were able to build off of a previous edition of the book. Moreover, basic management principles tend to be relatively constant.

Part 1 is an introduction to e-commerce and e-marketplaces with an overview chapter on e-commerce, as well as one on structures, mechanisms, economics, and the impacts of e-marketplaces. Part 2 covers Internet consumer retailing. In addition to a chapter on products and services, there is a key business-focused chapter that helps the reader understand Web-related consumer behavior, market research, and advertising. Part 3 covers business-to-business e-commerce, including selling and buying in private e-markets. An important business-related chapter on e-supply chains, collaborative commerce, intrabusiness e-commerce, and corporate portals is also included.

Part 4 covers other e-commerce models and applications. It includes a chapter on innovative e-commerce systems, such as e-government, e-learning, and consumer to consumer. Another chapter in Part 4 covers mobile commerce and pervasive computing. This chapter is a good example of the breadth and scope of the definition of e-commerce that this book uses. Part 5 covers e-commerce support services, such as e-auctions, e-commerce security, electronic payment systems, and order fulfillment. Part 6 delves into e-commerce strategy and implementation, and includes chapters on e-commerce strategy and global e-commerce; the economics and justification of e-commerce; launching a successful online business and e-commerce project; and the legal, ethical, and societal impacts of e-commerce. Part 7 (chapter 18), available online, focuses on application development, specifically on building e-commerce applications and infrastructure.

If a reader is looking to gain a comprehensive and thorough understanding of e-commerce and is willing to invest the time and money to do so, the book will definitely serve this purpose.