This image shows a timeline of some of the important events throughout the history of electronic commerce. The timeline dates as far back as the 1960s when the beginnings of electronic commerce were noted with developments such as Electronic Data Interchange which allowed companies to carry out electronic transactions.

Through which measures can cost benefits be gained? In that example benefits are gained through three different actions. First through the implementation of a risk management, second through a risk transfer to insurance companies and third to rehabilitation and compensatory component.

The actual risk for a country to suffer in a long term from a natural disaster depends on the actual exposure but also on the vulnerability of a society (how can they cope and adapt to the event). Central America as well as big parts of Africa and Asia are at high risk to suffer in a long term from natural disasters.

The chart compares 2 earthquakes and their different results for the countries. The number of deaths for Haiti is far higher (higher population density and a lesser standard of living, worse conditions after the event). However, the material loss for Chile was higher due to a bigger economy but the actual impact of the economy was far less due to a higher GDP, quicker response and better measures after the event. Different factors of a country decide about the long-term impact of a natural disaster .