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Research Article

Value Analysis of Electronic Authentication Services

Joo, Jaehun

Published: January 1999 · Vol. 28, No. 2 · pp. 415-438
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Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the value of electronic certification services, which serve as an important foundation for the development of Internet electronic commerce. Since these services were still in their early stages, their value was analyzed through a survey of experts in the fields of electronic commerce and electronic certification. The value of electronic certification services lies in enhancing Internet security and trust in web environments, improving the marketing capabilities of organizations utilizing these services and developing Internet-based business models, and providing opportunities for cost reduction and revenue increase for firms participating in electronic commerce. In this study, a path model was established to verify the relationships through which the value of electronic certification services manifests, and the model fit was found to be high. This study found that the effects of electronic certification services emerge in stages. Certification service providers must first offer certification services that can enhance the marketing capabilities of organizations using the services. Organizations using certification services can discover opportunities for cost reduction and revenue increase through their enhanced marketing capabilities. Next, certification service providers should support organizations using certification services in developing Internet-based business models, leveraging cost reduction as a catalyst. By doing so, the revenue of certification service providers will increase.