eCommerce

Imagine a community where university students help local business owners enhance their marketability and economic development opportunities via the Internet.  While sharing technical expertise, students get to experience real-world business processes. That community is being built…

Project – Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

In September 2006, Texas A&M Corpus Christi entered into an agreement with the Corporation for TAMU-CC graduate and undergraduate students to facilitate the implementation of e-commerce using the WiFi Network in order to encourage economic development. The Corporation provides university students working on projects access to a LINUX server with open source software MySQL. Students have 24/7 server access via the Internet in order to complete the development of an e-Commerce website for a small or medium size local company.

A small number of Corpus Christi merchants currently use the Internet for customers to obtain information, browse their inventory and purchase their goods. With the advent of the Wi-Fi network, it is very convenient for merchants and customers to take advantage of the Internet.  Hosting local merchants on a community portal will draw local and regional customers to the Wi-Fi network to transact business, thus enhancing economic development opportunities for the community. 

The first eCommerce site went live in June 2007.

Digital Inclusion

a vision of affordable computers, training and computer literacy, locally relevant content, access, community technology centers