What is defined as business conducted electronically?

The term that is defined as business conducted electronically is e-commerce. E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, encompasses all online transactions that involve the buying and selling of goods and services. This includes various types of online activities such as retail shopping, auction sites, and online banking, where business interactions and transactions are carried out over the internet.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different concepts. A portal is typically a website or service that provides a gateway to a broad array of content or services, while application software refers to programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks, such as word processing or accounting. Instant Messaging (IM) involves real-time text communication between users and is not primarily associated with conducting business transactions. Understanding e-commerce is essential as it represents a significant portion of the modern economy, showcasing the importance of electronic means in business operations.