Mercado builds on search technology to launch e-commerce platform
Dropping “Software” from its official name to reflect its continued move beyond licensed software applications, search technology provider Mercado is launching an on-demand e-commerce software suite designed mostly for small and mid-sized retailers.
Mercado, formerly known as Mercado Software, says it will soon launch the new e-commerce platform, Mercado Ignition, which will build on the vendor’s expertise in web site search-and-navigation technology for strong interaction with product databases to support merchandising presentations of products and pricing.
The on-demand offering of Mercado Ignition follows Mercado’s launch two years ago of an on-demand version of its search-and-navigation technology. The new platform will also include Ajax and other site development technologies that provide an interactive shopping experience, a spokesman says.
“We believe we’re entering a new era of e-commerce,” says Mercado president and CEO Corey Leibow. “Although the Internet has removed the barriers to entry, there are still huge challenges. Online retailers who figure out that they must engage shoppers with every interaction throughout their journey—and match that with a smart commerce data strategy—will realize their full business potential.”
The Ignition platform will also contain shopping cart functionality Mercado is developing, a spokesman says. Throughout this year, Mercado also plans to expand the Ignition platform’s e-commerce functionality to support larger numbers of product offerings in an environment that supports fast site browsing, he adds.
“Mercado`s move into the e-commerce platform space is a logical expansion from its search and navigation roots,” says Rob Garf, vice president and general manager of retail strategies at research and advisory firm AMR Research Inc. “This broad suite brings a single, integrated platform—underpinned by sophisticated product attributes and search capabilities—for retailers to enable a seamless cross-channel experience for consumers.”
The on-demand offering, mostly intended for small and mid-sized retailers, will enable Mercado to “take advantage of the booming e-commerce technology investment wave—especially for smaller, growing retailers,” Garf adds.
Although Mercado says the Ignition platform is intended to accommodate small retailers, the company says it will continue to serve larger retailers as well. Its clients include Sears Holding Corp., No. 7 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, Williams-Sonoma Inc., No. 20 in the Guide, and Overstock.com Inc., No. 25.
Back...
