TulipTools Internet Business Owners and Online Sellers Community

Quote: Web retailers and home builders have a number of traits in common, although thankfully the condition of their respective markets isn’t one of them. Both rely on skilled craftsmen who know how to wield the tools of their trade to create safe and secure domains.

Like those carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other craftsmen and women who piece together a house, web retailers rely on specialists and their technology tools—both internal and external—to construct and maintain their e-commerce businesses. Similarly, e-retailers depend on information technology tools in helping them build their own information systems, working with third-party providers and service companies, or mixing the two.

But retailers’ own technical skills are all across the board in terms of their ability, and sometimes willingness, to acquire, implement, deploy and manage their e-commerce applications. That’s where software and services providers come in...