Figure 2.5 ICDT Model
The ICDT Model Source: Anghern (1997)
The VDS and VTS presence is aimed at reducing costs, lead times, improving quality and innovating product or services through the possibility of using the internet for distribution as well as using the internet as medium to carryout transaction (Sigala, 2003)
According to Angehrn and Meyer, (1997) and supported by Sigala, (2003) the ICDT induces further classification of the four basic types of internet presence. As illustrated in figure 2.6, for each type of virtual presence (VIS, VCS, VDS, and VTS) – two further dimensions are considered; level of sophistication in terms of technical sophistication (simple or advanced) and level of customization (low or high). Sophistication reflects the degree to which specific characteristics of the underlying virtual space are exploited. On the other hand, customization indicates the level to which the internet is used to provide individualized products and services. In both cases (sophistication and customization) Sigala (2003) opined that they can be classified as low or high depending on the level of exploitation of the interactivity, connectivity and convergence capabilities of the internet as well as the nature of internet tools or IT tools and the mechanism being put into use.
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