ELECTRONIC RETAILING INFORMATIONElectronic retailing is the process of selling goods via an electronic channel, such as the Internet. Electronic retailing means more than just putting up a Web server and publishing information. It requires development of a compelling shopping experience, automatic order handling, payment security, tools for analyzing purchasing patterns and integration with a merchant's supply chain.Microsoft's new merchant solution is the easiest and most cost-effective way to build and operate a comprehensive online retailing system. Designed as electronic retailing software for the Windows NT platform, the merchant solution will enable retailers to create their own online store operations, focusing their business resources on merchandising, rather than on creating their own technology solutions. Microsoft's approach behind the merchant solution is to provide a combination of software and software tools that integrate consumers, merchants and their suppliers. Be sure to visit the Electronic Retailing home page.
MICROSOFT MEDIA SERVERProduct OverviewLow cost software solution to on-demand media.Microsoft Media Server is a crucial component to realizing the potential of the Internet and Interactive Television services (ITV). As an integrated software solution, the Microsoft Media Server offers scalable, flexible interactive audio, graphics and video independent of both hardware and network restrictions. In the today's world, the vast majority of consumers are accessing information through narrow and midband networks, while many corporate end-users enjoy a superior level of access through broadband networks. Microsoft Media Server is ideal for corporate and public narrow, midband and broadband networks, moreover it will grow and change as new user demands are realized. Given this level of capacity, Microsoft Media Server opens an immense opportunity for rich communication. The Microsoft Media Server will perform on narrow and midband networks as well as provide a smooth transition to broadband technology. This will result in far-reaching interactive applications for consumers as well as the communications, government manufacturing, retail healthcare, education and general business communities. Product release date is to be announced.
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGYMicrosoft's interactive technology software architecture (formerly called MITV) provides ready access to large volumes of continuous media while guaranteeing reliable and consistent service for various levels and types of broadband traffic. It supports a wide variety of interactive applications on broadband networks. This technology combines the delivery of cable and broadcast television with interactive services. As cable and telephone companies upgrade to switched broadband capability, a full range of interactive services can be supported, from video on demand and home shopping to multiplayer games and video telephony. The Microsoft interactive technology platform provides the foundation upon which thousands of different content providers can create new products and services.Based on Windows NT, the Microsoft interactive technology platform is able to provide guarantees for performance and quality of service because it is able to dynamically and intelligently schedule system-wide computing and bandwidth resources. It is this capability that allows Microsoft interactive technology to be scalable, reliable, secure, comprehensive, and a general-purpose platform for personal computers and televisions.
Additional Microsoft interactive technology information:Microsoft interactive technology brochure
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