Adopting virtual private network for electronic commerce : An economic analysis

Purpose – To identify the content of virtual private network, the suitability of virtual private network for e‐commerce transactions, and the economics issue of virtual private network. Design/methodology/approach – A range of virtual private network concepts and technologies are identified and compared. The capability, suitability, and pros and cons of adopting virtual private network for electronic commerce are discussed. An economic analysis is used to compare the cost and benefit of adopting virtual private network in organizations. Findings – This paper provides information about virtual private network technology. It also indicates the advantages and disadvantages of adopting virtual private network for electronic commerce practices. The economic analysis provides a real example of technology adoption decision making. Strategic implications of adopting virtual private network are detected. Practical implications – The economic analysis on adopting virtual private network provides an example of information technology selection decision for the electronic commerce community. Originality/value – This paper provides an economic approach to analyzing the decision process for information technology adoption. It suggests that the integration of virtual private network into electronic commerce architecture would perform secure and inexpensive online transactions for adopters of this new technology.