A Methodology and Implementation for Analytic Modeling in Electronic Commerce Applications

Abstract

Analytic queuing theory models are used to create accurate and informative models for phenomena that range from bank teller lines to complicated distributed systems. This paper defines a methodology for creating analytic queuing theory models for electronic commerce systems. As a result of the creation of the analytic model, our research provides several important discoveries and insights into the nature of electronic commerce performance. Specifically, this paper will provide insight into the nature of the distribution of arrival times for electronic commerce systems, will indicate the organizational challenges inherent in modeling efforts, and will provide a statistical verification of web page design techniques often used by industry. Finally, this paper takes an illustrative approach and provides an implementation for an actual large-scale electronic commerce system.