The word is widely used, but has various meanings. Strictly speaking there are two multi channel avenues: promotion and product ordering. Multi channel promotion includes direct response ads (including web ads) that contain a phone number, and a web site, or invitation to visit a retail outlet with a coupon. Multi channel promotions also include direct mail and catalogs, email and outbound telemarketing. Multi channel product ordering includes phone and web ordering plus retail visits. Using these terms, multi channel marketing would include an email or direct mail piece containing a link to a web site where the customer could print out a coupon for a retail visit.
E-Business
Electronic business, commonly referred to as "E-business" or "e-business", is sometimes used interchangeably with e-commerce. E-business covers a broader definiton and includes e-commerce, customer relations management (CRM), business partnerships, and "e-learning and conducting electronic transactions within an organization."
Electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly, to work more closely with suppliers and partners, and to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers. In practice, e-business is more than just e-commerce. While e-business refers to a more strategic focus with an emphasis on the functions that occur using electronic capabilities, e-commerce is a subset of an overall e-business strategy.
E-business involves business processes that span the entire value chain: electronic purchasing Figure 1 and supply chain management, processing orders electronically, handling customer service, and cooperating with business partners. Special technical standards for e-business facilitate the exchange of data between companies. E-business software solutions allow the integration of intra-firm and inter-firm business processes. E-business can be conducted