Final answer:
The discussion revolves around the transformative impact of technology, particularly the Internet, and globalization on companies marketing products and services globally, which has led to increased competition and a changing business landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept under discussion pertains to the spectrum of companies that offer products and services through the Internet and related technologies, alongside the process by which customers access these offerings. In recent decades, two significant shifts have transformed market dynamics. One focuses on the technological advancements that have revolutionized communication and commerce, and the other on globalization which has expanded market boundaries.
Improved communication technologies such as the Internet have enabled consumers to purchase a diverse range of products, from books to pet supplies, from vendors located anywhere in the world. This, in turn, has intensified the competition faced by local retail operations. The impact is even more pronounced in the realm of business supplies, where business-to-business (B2B) websites facilitate the connection of buyers and suppliers globally, leading to an increasingly competitive environment.
Another dimension to consider is how these changes influence firm size and market structure. There is an ongoing debate over whether modern information and communications technologies will favor smaller firms capable of reaching a worldwide audience or lead to 'winner-take-all' markets dominated by a few large corporations. The outcome of this tension between small and large business structures due to technology and globalization holds significant interest for various stakeholders.