Selling online electronic storefronts that work

Article Abstract:

The direct distribution of goods over the Internet is coming closer to realizing its marketing potential. The most successful shops balance their desire to sell with their customer's privacy, and provide specialty services such as personalized greetings, timely customer responses, and follow-up e-mail. One company noted for its successful online marketing strategy is Amazon.com, which sells an extensive array of books at www.amazon.com. Another successful electronic commerce vendor is PhotoDisc. The site, which can be accessed at www.photodisc.com, allows users to browse or search through upwards of 30,000 images. Virtual Vineyards, at www.virtualvin.com, features interactive tasting charts and searching tools for various wines. CDnow provides searches by album, song, artist name or record label for more than 150,000 music CDs at www.cdnow.com. Finally, Internet Shopping Network, located at www.internet.net, is a highly respected computer shop.

Marketing, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Amazon.com Inc., Internet/Web overview, CDNOW Inc., Getty Images Inc., Internet Shopping Network (Palo Alto, California), Virtual Vineyards Inc.

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Grabbing for a piece of local pie

Article Abstract:

A growing number of localized Web guides have crowded the market, dividing analysts and executives on their future impact. Web guides are taking different approaches to draw customers. CitySearch and Microsoft Sidewalk rely on local offices to provide original content, while regional phone companies are centralizing efforts with larger listings. Local-content organizers emphasize third-party links, and others are piggybacking ISPs. Zip2 technology, meanwhile, is a favorite option for local newspapers' Just Go guides. Yankee Group, a research firm, believes the top competitors will consolidate only after competing for individual city markets. CitySearch's CEO, Charles Conn, believes the Web guides can follow the precedent of other media and compete in a city. Licensed content advocates say it can improve branding, while opponents believe the process can weaken customer support and fuel a demand for local content.

United States, Online information services, Market trend/market analysis, World Wide Web

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Hexes, heresy, and heroes

Article Abstract:

The online gaming industry has been promoted as an excellent business opportunity, but it has yet to become a popular consumer offering. Instead, the market is oversaturated with products and there are not enough players. Origin Systems' Ultima Online role-playing game is an excellent candidate for online gaming. It is a fantasy game series where characters can join guilds, gain notoriety from thieving and find jobs. Origin charges customers $9.95 per month for unlimited play. Other gaming companies are investigating other revenue sources, such as sponsorships and advertising. Mpath's gaming network, Mplayer, gets most of its revenues from advertising. This has helped it go from a pay service to a mostly free service with a premium zone for $29.95 per year.

On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Internet, Internet services, Industry trend, Internet/Web technology application, Technology application, Online game, Online games

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