...presents a clear overview of the fundamental principles of Internet computing by building a framework to understand these real-world applications. Olsen is a well-known and respected expert in user interfaces and human-machine communication. The book consists of six parts. Parts 1 and 2 focus on developing formalization of Internet and Web technologies. Parts 3 and 4 further explore the concepts and discuss both B2C (Business-to-Consumer) and B2B (Business-to-Business) e-business applications. Part 5 offers a glimpse of the future, discussing primarily the semantic Web that will be possible once Web data has been formalized to a higher degree, and presenting scenarios of possible semantic-Web high-level automated services. Finally, Part 6 summarizes the main ideas covered in the book. The section at the end of each chapter provides ideas for exercises and discussion topics. The book can serve as a course resource for undergraduates and for general readers who want to learn more about this field. Highly recommended. All levels.

Choice Reviews

I highly recommend this book...

(2006), JASIST (Journal of the American Society for Information Science & Technology)

Olsen (informatics, U. of Bergen, Norway; adjunct, U. of Pittsburgh) presents an introduction to the human-computer interface and how it affects Internet applications such as eBusiness. He explains the distinction between formalized and unformalized processes; their enabling and limiting relationship to virtual environments; and the impact of these technologies on the workplace and society. Chapters include case studies and exercises but surprisingly few references. Suitable for introductory computer and business courses and anyone interested in the online world.

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