Up close and personal

Article Abstract:

A new breed of expert systems customize data, advertising, customer support and e-commerce applications for individual Web-site visitors. Rules-based systems, case-based systems, collaborative filtering systems and other artificial intelligence technologies dating back to the 1980s play a big part in a Web expert system. Even though the software can be quite expensive, it is often the least-costly step in personalization. The software must be integrated with databases of information to deliver to users and user profiles. The Web site manager must have a clear vision of what an expert system would do for a site. With returns on investment not confirmed for the technology, caution is recommended. Implementing expert systems is an attractive opportunity for many systems integrators.

Software Publishers, Communications Software NEC, Telecommunications software, Buyers Guide, Software buyers' guide, Internet server software, Internet/Web server software

---

Freeing the serfs

Article Abstract:

The book-publishing industry of the mid-1970s resembled the current CD-ROM industry in that a small number of large players dominated, start-up costs were high, and distribution channels were largely closed. Small book publishers soon realized that they could gain clout by banding together to offer several hundred new titles to retailers and to gain economies of scale for order fulfillment, warehousing, and collection services. This kind of cooperation seems unlikely in the software industry, where companies are suspicious of each other and marketing is done individually. Multimedia titles should be marketed and distributed the same way small book publishers sell their titles. The benefits of collaborative selling and distribution for multimedia providers are examined.

Software industry, Industry trend, Column, Computer software industry, Multimedia systems, Distribution Management, Marketing Strategy, Multimedia Technology

---

Girl games score big

Article Abstract:

Since the raging success of the Barbie Fashion Designer computer game, launched in fall of 1996, developers of computer games for girls are searching for another monster hit in this underserved market. Mattel, developer of Barbie Fashion Designer, says that in computer games, girls are attracted to familiar brand names and activities, such as hair-cutting. Purple Moon, a developer of computer games for girls, says that girls are not interested in high scores, speed and action; rather, they want believable characters and story-lines.

Market trend/market analysis, Computer games, Market research, Computer game, Marketing Research

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: LCD panels and projectors. Java takes hold. Search engines: keys to the Web kingdom
• Abstracts: DVD the hype and the hope. Microcosms in the making. No-compromise MMX portables
• Abstracts: Checks and balances. Our circuits are jammed. A dose of reality
• Abstracts: Casio Determines Future Handy Personal Computers with its FP-200. Casio Introduces Its New 16-Bit Personal Computer
• Abstracts: The show's over: personal video recorders will lose their independence. I've got you under my skin

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.