Electronic Payment Systems : A Framework for Comparative Analysis

전자지불시스템의 비교분석을 위한 프레임웤

Advances in information and telecommunications technology are producing unprecedented shifts in the way businesses conduct their business, Today, electronic commerce is becoming pervasive due to, in large part, the widespread use of Internet and Worldwide Web. One element that plays an important role in shaping the success of electronic commerce is the electronic payment system. Deficiency in its reliability and security may lead to unwanted outcomes, including economic losses and customer dissatisfaction. By far, numerous forms of electronic payment systems have been introduced in the virtual marketplace. However, there exists little research that has focused on the characteristics of the electronic payment systems such that they may be compared with one another. This article is aimed at providing a framework for comparative analysis of electronic payment systems, examining the characteristics of the individual payment systems, and suggesting a choice strategy which enables a firm to select an appropriate payment system suited to their business needs. The framework classifies electronic payment systems into four categories including electronic cash, electronic checks, credit cards, and smart cards, and it can be employed in planning for an electronic commerce system.