When you start looking for ways to build your Web-based store, you'll encounter a variety of options.

To trade online, as a minimum, you will need an online store, a domain name, hosting of the site, effectcive marketing of the site and probably the ability to payments online.

The most common business solution today would seem to be the 'out of a box' e business solution. Products such as Actininc, Shop Assistant and Shop Creator. These take most of the guess work out of developing an online shop and all will include in them all of the systems you will need to trade effectively.

E-Commerce "Solutions"
If you don't already have a Web site, consider using a complete e-commerce, or storefront, solution. Most will allow you to choose a design template and will then create product and category pages that already include shopping cart functions. The software generally includes a database so that adding products and updating product information requires no knowledge of HTML. Again, you can either license the software outright, or rent it by the month. Further information from the Business Link E Business website

Security and Responsibility
We have all heard of viruses, hackers and other online security breaches. That said, many companies do not even have basic e-commerce security in place yet carry vital data and confidential information over their networks all day long.

Always employ the use of a Firewall and Anti Virus systems and keep them up to date. There are many excellent Fireawalls and Anti Virus packages available and these include:

Firewall
Zone Alarm (including a FREE version)
Norton Firewall
McAffe Firewall
Panda Internet Security

Anti Virus Packages
Norton Antivirus
McAfee Anti Virus
Panda Internet Security

Many traders online probably are not aware that the Data Protection Act passed by the United Kingdom holds companies liable for the loss of data unless reasonable precautions are taken.