|
ICE and content syndication. Syndication is the controlled
distribution of information to a set of individuals
known as subscribers. Today commercial publishers (magazines,
newspapers) have subscribers and syndicate information
in print. Other publishers, such as Boeing, National
Semiconductor, NewFlyer Bus Company, provide or syndicate
information (such as maintenance or operation) to individuals
that have subscribed by virtue of purchasing products
from the company. ICE was designed to facilitate electronic
syndication of either of these kinds of information
on the Web.
On-line businesses have syndication problems as well.
In order for eCommerce to succeed, there is a need to
describe and easy way to establish on-line, networked
partnerships. It has previously been custom, fragile,
error-prone and expensive. That is why, until ICE, one
don't see this as a predominant Web model. ICE was designed
to provide a standard model that can be automated to
support syndication for everyone. ICE enables both subscriptions
and data delivery.
The information distribution model for TheStreet.com,
a provider of financial information is often used as
an example of how ICE is used to promote eCommerce.
At an ICE summit in 1999, Dan Appelquist of TheStreet.com
told the audience that TheStreet.com requires a huge
investment in custom code required to support its business
model. Appelquist predicted that ICE tools would replace
custom code over time. This will enable TheStreet to
focus on their business model and not on developing
enabling technology. ICE promised to lower costs and
increase opportunity for the entire eCommerce community.
ICE fulfilled its promise.
A standard format for interoperating between business
partners is critical. ICE is not a file format, but
rather a bi-directional protocol. According to AppleQuist
new opportunities created by ICE include:
- new revenue streams from existing content
- lower cost of networked partners,
- expand distribution of information (increased market
share, increased revenue)
- ICE lets us create internet Value Networks, not
islands of information
|
