Rich Internet Experience 2006 and Beyond Survey Finds 90 Percent of Respondents Planning Rich Internet Applications in 2007

Top projects include home, category, browse, product pages and entire site redesigns

NOVATO, CA — As online retailing becomes the fastest-growing retail segment and continues gaining momentum into 2007, online businesses are evaluating and deploying rich Internet applications to differentiate themselves and improve customers’ online experiences. In a recent survey of retailers, catalogers and commerce sites, more than 90 percent of respondents indicated they will be conducting rich Internet projects over the next year to enhance user experience.

Scene7 polled businesses selling a variety of products and services online about rich Internet features, common areas of site enhancements, tools and technologies being used and timeframes for deploying rich Internet applications. Analysis of survey data identified the most popular and effective rich Internet features and applications deployed or planned, as well as the top Web site areas leveraging rich Internet applications.

Cross-sell and up-sell, zoom and online catalogs were the predominant deployed features, while richer imagery, alternative views and gift suggestions were noted as the leading features planned. Survey respondents cited the most effective rich Internet features all involved improving the presentation of products online with zoom (78%), visual product configurators (76%), color swatching and coloring (75%), online monogramming (73%) and alternative views (73%) topping the list.

Respondents also identified home and product pages as the most widely deployed areas of their sites to utilize rich Internet solutions. Meanwhile, the top areas where online businesses plan to add rich Internet applications include home, category or browse, best sellers and product pages, as well as across their entire sites. In addition, respondents cited the most effective areas to add rich Internet applications are shop by room or collection, Web to print and gift registry. The majority of respondents measure the effectiveness of rich Internet enhancements through conversion rates; however, other high ranking methods include measuring revenue increases and clicks or usage.

“As eCommerce matures, the importance this channel plays for companies doing any type of business online is increasing,” said Doug Mack, CEO and founder of Scene7. “Rich Internet features and applications are critical for companies to differentiate themselves and drive incremental revenue by offering users unique online experiences.”

About the Rich Internet Experience 2006 and Beyond Survey
The Scene7 Rich Internet Experience 2006 and Beyond Survey was conducted from October 2, 2006 to October 11, 2006. The key objectives of the survey were to identify and analyze what online businesses plan to do in the next year to enhance their user experience. The results were compiled based on responses from companies representing a broad cross-section of product categories (fashion, home, jewelry, sporting goods, electronics, travel and entertainment) and selling channels. A complete, detailed summary of the results is available from Scene7. Click here for details >

Additionally, further insights on the next phase of eCommerce are outlined in the recently released Scene7 whitepaper, “ECommerce 3.0 – How eCommerce Becomes a Uniquely Great Experience,” authored by Doug Mack.

About Scene7
Scene7 – provider of the leading on-demand rich media platform – enables companies to grow revenues, enhance customer experience and cut production costs. Scene7's solutions are built on an integrated technology platform for unrivaled breadth, depth, scalability and ease of use. Solutions include Dynamic Imaging, eCatalogs, Product Configurators, Targeted email & print, and Image Management. Available both as software and On-Demand, leading companies worldwide have selected Scene7, including Amazon, Harrods, Macy's, Office Depot, Levi Strauss & Co., La-Z-Boy and QVC – and partners IBM, Microsoft, Akamai and Adobe. Visit www.scene7.com.