The term e-commerce (also termed as e-business or e-construction) generally refers to the transaction of business functions via electronically mediated communications systems, especially the Web and mobile tools.
Beginning in 1997, a sea wave of these technologies was reported to be fast arriving for the benefit of the HVACR and construction industry. This was followed by the reports of what is now commonly referred to as the "dot-bomb" era. In the time period of 2000-2001, massive losses were reported by businesses that were trying to provide the construction industry with e-commerce solutions.