Define various security protocols used for e-commerce applications.

The e-commerce systems of today are composed of very many components as like: a commerce server, client software and data transaction protocols from that transactions originate.

The protocols for e-commerce transactions are: SSL, SET, PCT, S-HTTP, Cybercash, S/MIME and Digi-cash among others. Mainly of these protocols are not interoperable, and all consumers should choose one protocol over other. When a merchant is not a subscriber to Cybercash, in that case a Cybercash consumer will not be capable to purchase wares through the merchant. A consumer does not have a browser client which supports S-HTTP; in that case the consumer will not be capable to engage into a secure transaction along with a merchant which uses SHTTP. The market may eventually decide the winners and losers into standardized protocols; although, the necessity for interoperable, cross-platform elements will not lessen. Progress of secure components for use within building commerce applications is a significant step in the acceptance and maturation process.