Analysis and Customization of Web-Based Electronic Catalogs

Electronic catalogs are at the core of information system support for electronic commerce. Unlike traditional paper-based product catalogs which are limited by size, access method, high production cost, and obsolete information, electronic catalogs promise up-to-date information, more flexible methods of search and retrieval, interactive multimedia user interface, and automated linkage and support for various procurement functions. As the World Wide Web became more popular, a tremendous amount of information flooded the cyberspace resulting in the problem of information overload. To attract and retain users, a Web site should be adaptive on information content, information organization and information display. In this chapter, a Personalized Electronic Catalog (PEC) system is proposed to synthesize the Webbased electronic catalog customization on information content, organization, and display; as well as to demonstrate the analysis and improvement of information access for electronic catalogs in an industrial application. IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Web Engineering: Principles and Techniques, edited by Woojong Suh. © 2005, Idea Group Inc. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB10870