ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief description of the Internet adoption within business activities. The Internet is a set of networks controlled by multiple actors, private organizations, government entities and universities among others. During the 1970s, the Internet was extended to the academic society in order to allow faster communication among different research centers. In order to understand the evolution of the Internet adoption by companies, it is necessary to analyse two compelling factors: the technology evolution and the turbulence of the competitive environment. In adopting the Internet in supply chain management activities, companies have to deal with the choice of the proper tools to manage such activities, according to their specific objectives. Increased efficiency and effectiveness in supply chain activities lead to value creation for the final consumer. In delineating the Internet supply chain strategy, companies should be aware of the real benefits deriving from the Internet adoption and of their portfolio of products.
