Today, 61 - year - old Ms. Lawson occupies a coveted niche in the
electronic -
commerce world: a profitable, subscription - based Web site where she sells her highly - stylized e-cards
without a blip of advertising.
Just as the smartphone gave people
without telephone lines access to communication, information, and
electronic commerce, these technologies can provide a person the legitimacy needed to open a bank account or borrow money —
without having to prove ownership of real estate or meeting other qualifications that are challenging in many countries.