The document discusses the evolution of ERP systems from client/server architectures to web-based and web-enabled systems. It defines ERP as a system with goals, components, and boundaries, including ERP software, hardware/OS, end users, and business processes. Major ERP vendors like PeopleSoft, Oracle, and SAP began introducing web-based and web-enabled systems in the late 1990s. The benefits of web-based ERP include platform independence and reduced costs, while the dilemmas include slow response times and security threats. Security measures for web-based ERP include role-based access, encryption, and authorization controls.