Final answer:
E-Commerce has evolved through four generations, starting with basic electronic data interchange to the current integration of AI, mobile, and social commerce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerning the number of generations of E-Commerce involves understanding how the digital marketplace has evolved over time. This evolution is typically described in stages or generations, with each stage representing a significant shift in the capabilities, technologies, and business models used in electronic commerce. Although literature on the subject may vary, a commonly acknowledged framework details four generations of E-Commerce.
- First Generation: This was the initiation phase when businesses began to use electronic data interchange (EDI) and email for commercial exchanges.
- Second Generation: Web-based E-Commerce took off with the advent of secure online retail transactions and web marketing.
- Third Generation: E-Commerce saw an integration of services, enhanced search capabilities, and personalized user experiences.
- Fourth Generation: The focus here is on mobile and social commerce integration, sophisticated data analytics, and the beginning of AI utilization within E-Commerce.
Therefore, the correct answer to the number of generations of E-Commerce would be c. 4 based on the framework described above.