Digital Equipment Corporation has launched the first free public trial of its MilliCent microcommerce system for Internet users worldwide. As an incentive, users are being given free electronic cash - MilliCent trial scrip - from Digital, which can be exchanged for valuable information over the Web.
The patented MilliCent system makes microcommerce, which is the buying and selling of information in small increments, affordable for everyone. It enables users to purchase and providers to sell profitably Internet-based soft goods and services - computer software, online news, articles, music, computer games, Java applets, or film clips - from one-tenth of a cent up to $5 or more. Because the MilliCent system is designed for high flexibility, providers over time will be able to use any combination of pay-per-click, subscription, promotional incentives, advertising rebates, tiered services and loyalty reward points.
"The MilliCent trial is a chance for online users to experience the industry`s first Internet-based microcommerce system at no charge," said Jay Zager, vice president, business development, Corporate Strategy and Technology Group. "We expect tens of thousands of free transactions will be made through this novel way of acquiring information electronically. We think surfers using MilliCent will find it a convenient way to buy everyday Web-based information and entertainment for pocket change."
Twenty vendors are providing unique access to high-quality products, many of which have never before been available on the Web at any price, and more will be added as time goes on. Buyers will be able to provide feedback on their shopping experiences. In a later phase of the public trial, brokers will participate and vendors will charge for goods and services.
Since the technology was introduced in March 1997, about 250 content providers worldwide have expressed interest in adopting the MilliCent microcommerce system. For content providers, the MilliCent system will act like a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week virtual storefront that allows any type of text or multimedia content to be sold by the click. For users, the system provides access to a new world of value-added content.
During the public test, content providers are offering a wide range of information products through the MilliCent site that reflect the diverse makeup of the Internet. Dozens more are expected to join the trial in progress. Here are some examples of what is available now or shortly from vendors:
Music lovers can listen to new songs, buy songs from all over the world, customise greeting cards with music and play an interactive guitar on the screen. Available from Music411, Stein Brothers Music, Nordic Entertainment Worldwide, Global Music Outlet, Cardmaster, and Guitar Heroes by McGregor Design. Puzzle players can purchase interactive 3D puzzles from Geometrek, a joint venture between SpaceCubes Ltd. and Virtual Gallery.
Educators can access papers, textbook pages or chapters, academic books and ready-to-use lessons, or charge for lessons or educational materials. Available from UC Berkeley`s Fisher Center of Management and Information Technology, and Technology University of Munich.
Patrons of the arts and history can access archived museum information from photographs to documents. Available from Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Computer buffs can read reviews and debates by John C. Dvorak of PC Magazine and Jerry Pournelle of BYTE; with staff reviews of games, industry comments, and other matters of concern to computer users. Available from Discontinuity.
During the MilliCent trial, Web users will be able to obtain an electronic wallet, which they can fill with free trial scrip with a purchase value of $10. For a limited time, the wallet can be reloaded with additional free scrip as often as desired. Digital will initially run the broker server during the trial, as no money is transacted.
To participate in the free trial, users need Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer V3.0 or higher, Windows 95 or Windows NT. They follow the step-by-step procedure described on the MilliCent site at: http://www.millicent.digital.com
"Internet electronic commerce is already widely used and it won`t be long before millions of Internet users are making electronic purchases every day," said Martin Meltz, marketing manager at Digital Equipment Corporation SA. "We are positioning MilliCent to capture the low end of this developing market where very high volume purchases will be made." He said the MilliCent system, along with the company`s highly popular AltaVista Internet search engine and thriving Internet Exchange, reinforce Digital`s image as the leading supplier of Internet-based enterprise computing.
Share
Editorial contacts