E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is defined as the conduct of business and financial transactions by electronic means. Specifically, it is the buying and selling of goods and services, and the transfer of funds, through digital communications.

E-commerce involves using the Internet technologies to bring together customers, business, partners, suppliers and employees. It is the supplying and distribution of commodities online. It specifically relates to the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions online.

E-commerce marketplaces facilitate interactions and transactions between buyers and sellers within a specific industry or industries.

Electric commerce, by comparison to electronic commerce, is the conducting of business communication and transactions over networks and through computers.